crestal bone loss
The measurable resorption of alveolar bone immediately surrounding the neck of a dental implant, typically assessed radiographically and expressed in millimetres.
Full Definition
Crestal bone loss (CBL) refers to the apical migration of the alveolar crest adjacent to an implant, measured on standardized periapical or panoramic radiographs as the vertical distance from a reference point (usually the implant shoulder) to the first visible bone-to-implant contact. A degree of early crestal bone remodelling (up to 1.5–2.0 mm in the first year) is considered a normal biological response, while progressive loss beyond this threshold may indicate peri-implant disease. Editors should express CBL values in millimetres with one decimal place and note measurement time points. The abbreviation CBL is acceptable on second reference when introduced in full.
Usage
Usage note: Express values in millimetres with one decimal place and a standard deviation where relevant. Distinguish physiological early remodelling (≤1.5 mm in year one) from pathological loss. 'Marginal bone loss' and 'crestal bone loss' are synonymous; standardize to one per document.
In Context
- "Mean crestal bone loss at the two-year follow-up was 0.8 mm (SD ± 0.3 mm), which fell within the accepted threshold for implant success." — Randomised controlled trial results section
- "The author reported 'marginal bone loss' in the abstract but 'crestal bone loss' in the results; the editor standardized to 'crestal bone loss' per the journal's preferred terminology." — Manuscript copyediting note