Radiography of dental implants

Question 1

What should be evaluated radiographically when considering implants? (5)

Answer 1

1. depth of bone
2. width of bone
3. quality of bone
4. angulation of bone
5. location of vital structures

Question 2

What vital structures should be noted radiographically? (3)

Answer 2

1. nasal fossa
2. maxillary sinus
3. inferior alveolar canal

Question 3

List the different imaging modalities:

Answer 3

1. intraoral radiography
2. panoramic radiography
3. computed tomography
4. CBCT

Question 4

What technique is recommended with intraoral radiography?

Answer 4

paralleling technique

(prevents foreshortening)

Question 5

Source-to film-distance / source-to-object distance =

Answer 5

magnification

Question 6

Three considerations with panoramic radiography in regards to focal trough:

Answer 6

1. unsharpness
2. shape distortion
3. magnification

Question 7

• Rotational movement of beam & detector
• Sequential axial slices
• Computer manipulation of data
• Multiplanar reformatting

Answer 7

Computed Tomography (CT)

Question 8

List the advantages of CT:

Answer 8

1. No superimposition of structures
2. Image acquisition in multiple planes
3. Hard-tissue and soft-tissue imaging
4. Digital image enhancement

Question 9

• Cone shaped beam
• One flat panel sensor

Answer 9

Cone beam CT

Question 10

What are the advantages of a CBCT compared to a medical CT:

Answer 10

1. Less radiation
2. Lower cost

Question 11

What are the disadvantages of CBCT compared to a medical CT:

Answer 11

1. Image noise
2. Poor soft-tissue contrast
3. Fixed imaging volume

Question 12

When should radiographs be taken throughout the implant process?

Answer 12

1. initial exam
2. pre-op
3. post-op