OBJECTIVETo evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of alveolar bone height measurement in vitro by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to provide theoretical application of CBCT in periodontal clinic.

METHODSEight dry mandibles with 236 selected markers were scanned by CBCT scanner, and the distance from alveolar ridge crest to cemento-enamel junction were measured on every marker by the images of CBCT. Meanwhile the distances on the dry mandibles were measured directly by vernier caliper. All the data were analyzed by SPSS 13.0 statistics software.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference between the two repeated measurements by the CBCT images (P >0.05), and no significant difference were found between the measurement by the CBCT images and by vernier caliperas well (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe CBCT images could demonstrate the three-dimensional relationships between tooth and alveolar bone accurately. As far as the height of alveolar bone measurement was concerned, CBCT show good accuracy and repeatability in vitro.