Abstract: Objective: To develop a volume rendering visualization software based on CBCT volume data, to three-dimensionally demonstrate the maxillary molar region, and to improve the visuality of pre-surgery assessment of alveolar bone and maxillary sinus for implantation in maxillary molar regions. Methods: The original CBCT data in DICOM format of 13 maxillary molar implant cases were imported into both NNT 2.19 software (J.Morita Manufacturing Corp.) and the software TooMax 1.0 developed by our project team, the heights from alveolar crest to the floor of maxillary sinus (H1) and the buccal-palatal widths (H2) were measured in both softwares. The measurements were analyzed. Maxillary sinus and the two-dimensional lengths were demonstrated in the three-dimensional volume rendering models. Results: No significant difference was found between the two softwares, and the three-dimensional and real-time demonstrations of the measurements could facilitate communications between doctors and patients and aid in designing of implantation. Conclusion: Volume rendering enhances the visuality of CBCT technology and can simulate implantation to some extent, which is conducive to achieve visualization in clinical treatment.

Key words: Volume rendering, Medical visualization , Alveolar bone measurement Implant