# Estimation of the Safe Zone in the Anterior Mandible for Implant Osteotomy: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Study

## TL;DR

This study uses CT scans to determine safe zones in the lower jaw for dental implants, finding differences between men and women.

## Contribution

The study introduces gender-specific safe zone measurements in the anterior mandible using CBCT and the genial tubercle as a reference.

## Key findings

- Men had wider safe zones (mean 23.14 mm right, 22.07 mm left) compared to women (20.82 mm right, 19.47 mm left).
- More women had safe zones between 15-19.9 mm, while more men had safe zones above 25 mm.
- A strong correlation was found between genial tubercle to anterior loop distance and safe zone measurements.

## Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to estimate the safe zone in the anterior mandible relative to the genial tubercle. It also evaluated the genial tubercle’s reliability as a reference point for interforaminal measurements during implant planning.

Patients and methods: Four hundred ninety-nine cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) files (250 men and 249 women) were examined with NNTViewer software (Newtom, Verona, Italy). These files were obtained from dental departments of academic institutions and private imaging centers. The distance from the genial tubercle to the anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve was measured, and a standardized protocol for determining safe zones was established.

Results: In men, the mean safe zone was 23.14 mm (right) and 22.07 mm (left). In women, it was 20.82 mm (right) and 19.47 mm (left). Overall, men showed wider safe zones, with more women falling within the 15-19.9 mm category, while more men had >25 mm safe zones. Linear regression indicated a strong correlation between the genial tubercle to anterior loop distance and the safe zone.

Conclusion: This study provides valuable data on anterior mandibular safe zones, highlighting gender-based differences and supporting safer implant osteotomy planning using the genial tubercle as a reference.