Dental implants:
CT scan and dental X-ray
Author: George Ghidrai, MD
When planning for dental implants, imaging methods like dental X-rays, CT scans, or others can significantly help. Imaging methods will give precise information unavailable at the medical examination.
This information is invaluable for an accurate treatment plan.
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.
What important information can an X-ray bring?
Dental X-rays are essentially like a blueprint for the practitioner, showing whether additional procedures are required to make the implants viable, how large the implants need to be, or where the implants can be placed.
Many important details are available on X-rays:
- The quality and quantity (height and width) of available bone
- The size and position of critical anatomical structures that might interfere with the dental implants, such as the maxillary sinus or the inferior alveolar nerve in the mandible.
- Possible infections of the adjacent teeth or the alveolar bone
- The exact position of the remaining natural teeth
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.
Other imaging methods are available, like an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. These do not use radiation.
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.
E-book or Paperback
How Efficient are At-Home Teeth Whitening Procedures?
Are you looking to whiten your teeth at home but need help deciding what product to use? Our book compares the best at-home teeth whitening methods to help you understand which procedures work best and why.