A Comparative Evaluation of Changes in Alveolar Bone Around Upper Central Incisors in Extraction and Non-Extraction Patients Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Background: In this study, individuals undergoing orthodontic therapy with and without extractions were compared and evaluated for changes in alveolar bone thickness and vertical height at the crest area surrounding upper central incisors using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Method: In cooperation with the Oral Radiology Department, the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics at Jaipur Dental College performed this retrospective CBCT study. Pre-treatment CBCT records from 15 non-extraction patients whose initial spacing was greater than 3 mm and 15 extraction patients whose initial crowding was greater than 5 mm were included in the study. Post-treatment CBCT scans were taken after alignment and leveling to assess and compare vertical bone loss and alveolar bone length on the labial and palatal sides of the maxillary central incisors. Results: Following extraction cases after alignment and leveling, there was a statistically significant difference (p0.05) in the vertical bone loss on the palatal side of central incisor between the extraction and non-extraction groups. For every other measure, however the differences between the groups were statistically not significant (p>0.05) Conclusion: While there was a greater loss of vertical bone on the palatal side, there was no appreciable difference in the amount of alveolar bone lost in extraction cases compared to non-extraction instances.