Assessment of secondary alveolar bone graftusing two-dimensional radiographic scales: a literature review

Secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) is an essential component of treating cleft lip and alveolus and cleft lip and palate. Alveolar cleft repair involves creating a bony bridge to restore maxillary continuity.One of the main success factors for this bony bridge is its dimensions, which are assessed radiographically using specific scales. The results of SABG treatment influence where teeth should be placed in the cleft; in cases where a tooth is lost, they assist specialists in determining whether to close the gap or restore the missing tooth. X-ray images are used to assess the results of the treatment. This literature review aims to assess the various radiographic scales for evaluating alveolar cleft repair and analyse their key properties.The most well-known is the Bergland scale. The literature also suggests the Enemark, Long, Kindelan, Chelsea, and SWAG scales.All of them use periapical or occlusal x-rays to determine the height of the bony bridge or the degree of bone fill in the cleft area.