28 Theories and techniques of oral implantology

Fig. 2-2. The structure of bone in the mandible and the location of the mandibular canal can be clearly distinguished in these sections. In the longitudinal section through the right body and ramus (top), note that the mandible is seen to consist of cancellous bone enclosed by a shell of compact bone. Note that the mandibular canal passes through cancellous bone. Vertical cross sections of the left side of the mandible (bottom) demonstrate that the cancellous portion may vary considerably in the amount of marrow space to bone. Upon superficial examination of x-rays, these wide areas may be obscured by the dense compact bone shell. Careful scrutiny of an x-ray with a magnifying glass is advised in trying to determine the best site for an endosseous implant.

Fig. 2-3. In these views of a prepared skull, the branching pathways of the trigeminal nerve through the mandible and maxillae are demonstrated.