Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of an endoluminal ultrasound-system (B-Scan) for tissue-thickness measurements and determination of crestal bone height in the upper jaw. Method: After several experiments an ultrasound-system in B-Scan mode (Fa. Aloka, Meerbusch/Germany), designed for gastroenterologic endoluminal examination was used with a microtip-transducer of 2.6 mm diameter (8 french). In particular the thickness of a mucosal graft vestibulär over the root of the right canine was evaluated with brightness-scan. With a special designed deep thrown foil (Ercodur®, Ercodent, Pfalzgrafenweiler/Germany) the optimal transmission-medium water could be used and kept in place in the upper jaw. The evaluations were done on seven measurepoints with a 20 MHz B-mode ultrasonic equipment. The thicknessmeasurements of the mucosal graft by B-Scan were compared with SDM®A-Scan. For documentation the mucosal graft situation was photographed and videoprinted. Results: Both systems showed constant results for the thickness of the mucosal graft at each point of measurement. With the B-Scan-system it was also possible to show and print the anatomic situation including the crestal bone contours. On the other side the A-Scan-system allowed only distance measurements and showed smaller scores compared to those of the B-Scan . Conclusion: The applicability of an endoluminal-ultrasound-system for tissue-thickness determination of mucosal grafts in the upper jaw could be verified. With a special device described above it was possible to use the optimum transmission medium water also in the upper jaw in addition to the known measurements with this system in the lower jaw (Hermanutz P. et al. 2001,2001). The gingival thickness for post-operative mucosal graft follow-up-controlls are determinable with both ultrasound systems. The B-Scan gives without any contact to the tissue the real values of mucosal thickness and allowes the control of the bony surface of the alveolar ridge on the B-Scan-monitor.

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