a. Dental X-ray

Dental X-rays are still the standard way to get an image of the mouth structures prior to placing dental implants. Various views are available:

• Periapical view

  The periapical view allows the dentist to see both the tooth and the surrounding bone. One or two teeth may be visualized on a single view. It helps diagnose various periapical infections or some bone diseases.

  

  periapical view

  The view is also indispensable in assessing the level of osseointegration or bone loss around a dental implant.

  Periapical radiographs are often used to determine the need for endodontic therapy and to visualize the successful progression of endodontic therapy once it is initiated.

  
  

• Panoramic films

  Panoramic films are most often used by dentists when planning for dental implants. Panoramic films are extra-oral films that show all of the teeth as well as the maxillary and mandibular bones.

  

  panoramic X-ray

  Panoramic films give the practitioner an overall view of the clinical situation, revealing evidence of bone disease, fractures, or other abnormal changes.

  
  

• Skull radiography

  A skull X-ray is a picture of the bones surrounding the brain, including the facial bones, the nose, and the sinuses.

  

  skull radiography

  Various abnormal conditions may be diagnosed: fractures, tumors, erosions, or decalcifications of the bone.

  
  

• Sinus radiography

  The sinus view can reveal the position and look of the maxillary sinuses. Because implants are not allowed to penetrate the sinuses, this view might be of great help.

  

  sinus X-ray

  Because computed tomography (CT) shows a much clearer picture of the sinuses and surrounding structures, the use of standard sinus X-rays has declined.

b. CT scan

A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses X-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body.

A CT scan provides three-dimensional images of high quality and extreme complexity. CT scanning software is becoming a viable tool in diagnosing dental implant position and placement.

CT scan

The CT scanning software allows the dentist to determine if bone quantity and quality exist and can be used to virtually place dental implants using the computer program before any surgical intervention. Thus, it eliminates the possible manual placement errors and matches planning to prosthetic requirements.

Besides that, other information is still available on a CT scan: bone infections, possible tumors, blood vessels, and the position of important anatomical structures; the use of CT scanning in complex cases helps the surgeon identify and avoid vital structures such as the inferior alveolar nerve and the sinus.

c. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)

A CBCT is a compact, faster, and safer version of the regular CT. Through the use of a cone-shaped X-ray beam, the size of the scanner, radiation dosage, and time needed for scanning are all dramatically reduced.

CBCT with more windows

The CBCT produces 3D types images that let the dentist look at mouth structures from different vantage points; it can show the width of mouth structures in addition to their height.

It can also reveal things like cysts and impacted teeth, as well as nerves and arteries that might make the implantation more challenging.

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues in your body.