Sonographic measurement versus mapping for determination of residual ridge width.

To achieve long-term success of dental implants, evaluation of the dimensions of the resorbing alveolar process must be accurate because an implant should be surrounded by at least 1 mm of bone. Estimating the thickness of bone is more difficult because the mucosal contour can mask the actual dimension of the residual ridge. With ultrasound, it is possible to analyze and visualize the diameter of maxillary or mandibular residual ridges. Data obtained from ultrasound measurement of residual ridges were compared with the data from ridge mapping with the Wilson bone caliper and the Spoerlein caliper. The ultrasound measurement produced nearly the same data at all measurement points as ridge mapping. Ultrasound also provides exact information about the location of the mental foramen and the maxillary sinus. By using all three methods the initial stage of implant treatment can be planned.