A Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Study of Alveolar Bone Morphology in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate (original) (raw)

Objective: To evaluate the bony support around the teeth adjacent to the unilateral cleft lip and palate (ULCLP) using cone-beam computed tomography. Methods and Materials: Cone-beam computed tomographies of 48 cleft-adjacent teeth (28 anterior and 20 posterior to the cleft) and 48 noncleft control teeth were evaluated. The alveolar bone thickness at 3 and 6 mm apical to the cement–enamel junction (CEJ), the distance between the alveolar crest and CEJ (Alv-CEJ), and the presence of fenestration were assessed in buccal, palatal, and proximal surfaces. Results: The alveolar bone on the buccal and palatal sides of the teeth anterior to the cleft was significantly thinner than the noncleft teeth (all P < .05). The Alv-CEJ was significantly greater on the buccal and distal surfaces of the teeth anterior to the cleft ( P < .001 and P = .010, respectively) and on the palatal and mesial surfaces of the teeth posterior to the cleft ( P = .024 and P = .003, respectively) when compared t...