The importance of linear measurements made using panoramic radiography in pre-implant site assessment: actual vs. measured

Year 2023, Volume: 4 Issue: 1, 24 - 30, 31.01.2023

Raif Alan Ahmet Erbeyoğlu

https://doi.org/10.47482/acmr.1174345

Abstract

Background: In order to reduce post-operative failure and ensure successful rehabilitation, patients scheduled for dental implant treatment are often evaluated pre-operatively using radiographic images in addition to clinical examination. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of digital panoramic radiography in the pre-implant site assessment.

Methods: Panoramic images of 150 patients with the total of the 396 implants placed in the maxilla (n=165) and mandible (n=231), were examined in the study. Radiographic measurements (vertical and horizontal) were recorded on the computer using the automatic calibration tab for each radiograph and compared with the actual implant dimensions. Moreover, the effects of location, gender, and change in dimensions on magnification rate (MR) were also investigated. The measurements were made by two experienced observers.

Results: Panoramic vertical measurements were significantly higher in both the maxilla and mandible compared to the actual implant lengths (p<0.05), with excellent inter-observer agreement values (r=0.969). MR of horizontal measurements showed significantly difference just in the premolar and molar regions (p<0.05). MR exhibited negative correlation with increasing in the implant length and diameter.

Conclusions: When attempting to use panoramic radiographs for pre-implant site assessment, the MRs should be considered along with a good clinical examination and experience.

Keywords

Dental implants, Image analysis, Panoramic radiography, Site preparation

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