Abstract

This is a simple method for estimating preoperatively the underlying bone volume of a proposed edentulous site for dental implant placement. It entails a localized imprint of the ridge, measurement of the depth of the overlying gingival of the site, and correlating the measurements on a tracing of the ridge arch taken from the imprint. The resultant shape shows a slice of the underlying bone, giving the surgeon insight regarding the width of implant the site will accept, angulation, and the need for bone augmentation.