Crestal bone refers to the bone located at the alveolar ridge crest, the highest point of the alveolar bone that surrounds the teeth or dental implants. It's the bone directly adjacent to the neck of a tooth or the top of a dental implant. Understanding crestal bone is crucial in dentistry, particularly regarding implant placement and maintenance.
Importance of Crestal Bone in Dentistry
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Dental Implants: Crestal bone plays a vital role in the success of dental implants. Early crestal bone loss, defined as bone resorption around a dental implant within the first year post-loading, is a common concern. This loss can be attributed to various factors, including the patient's biological condition and the health of surrounding teeth. (Early crestal bone loss; PMC6787785)
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Bone Grafting: In cases of significant bone loss, crestal bone grafting procedures may be necessary to provide sufficient bone volume for implant placement. Surgical tools such as crestal bone drills (e.g., Tapered Crestal Bone Drill HD, 4.6mm) and chisels (e.g., PM Edge Crestal Bone Chisel) are used in these procedures. (BioHorizons US Online Store; Hufriedygroup.com)
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Radiographic Evaluation: Radiographic imaging is frequently used to evaluate crestal bone changes around implants. Studies using radiographs assess bone levels and changes over time. (Crestal bone changes around titanium implants. A radiographic ...)
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Histometric Analysis: Histometric studies provide microscopic evaluation of bone structure and changes around dental implants, offering insights beyond what radiographs reveal. (Crestal Bone Changes Around Titanium Implants. A Histometric ...)
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Long-Term Implant Success: Maintaining crestal bone is essential for the long-term success and stability of dental implants. Various factors, including platform switching, influence crestal bone preservation. (Crestal bone loss around tissue level implants with platform ...)
Types of Crestal Bone Procedures
Dental professionals utilize specialized instruments and techniques for procedures involving crestal bone, such as:
- Crestal bone drills: These are used to prepare the bone for implant placement. Different sizes exist to accommodate various implant diameters. (BioHorizons Online Store)
- Crestal bone chisels: Used to elevate flaps during implant procedures, preparing the site for surgery. (Hufriedygroup.com)
The term "crestal bone" is often used in the context of dental implants and bone loss around these implants, but the general concept applies to the bone crest around natural teeth as well. Maintaining crestal bone health is critical for overall oral health.
