Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the interradicular trabecular bone density of the lateral maxilla regarding the insertion of temporary anchorage devices (TADs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material consisted of tissue blocks of autopsy material from 20 subjects (17 male, 3 female, 16 - 63y). The specimens comprised the dentated alveolar bone of the lateral maxilla. The interradicular areas (IRA) from canine to distally of the second molar (IRA 3-4, 4-5, 5-6, 6-7, 7d) were histomorphometrically measured with respect to the hard tissue fraction of the trabecular bone (HTFTB, %) and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Histomorphometric measurements showed the following results: Mean HTFTB of IRA 3-4 was 44.08%, of IRA 4-5 31.07%, of IRA 5-6 33.96%, of IRA 6-7 36.33% and of IRA 7d 25.40%. Only the difference between the HTFTB of IRA 3-4 and the other IRAs was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Regarding the minimum and maximum HTFTB value of each IRA, there was a great amount of difference, especially for IRA 3-4: minimum HTFTB was 17.20% and maximum 67.03%. CONCLUSION: Apart from the IRA between canine and first premolar, the HTFTB in the IRAs of the lateral maxilla have to be classified as low or even moderate. IRA 3-4 should also be considered cautious regarding its minimum values. Thus, it seems that the interradicular trabecular bone density of the lateral maxilla is unfavorable to achieve a good primary stability of TADs.