Dental implant

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 25 Aug 2021

Dental implants are a common procedure used to replace absent teeth. Radiology has a role in pre-implant planning as well as post-implant assessment including identification of complications. 

Radiographic features

Dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is the most common modality used in dental implant imaging. 

Pre-implant imaging

Assessment of the density (i.e. quality) and alveolar height and width (i.e. quantity) of bone is key for success implant osseointegration 2:

  • density
    • edentulism typically leads to bone loss with resorption of the alveolar process typically affecting width before height; mandibular bone resorption is centrifugal whereas maxillary is centripetal
    • a number of Bone Quality Indices exist
      • Cawood and Howell
      • Lekholm and Zarb
      • Norton and Gamble
  • quantity
    • bone implant site needs to be at least 7-9 mm high and 5 mm wide 2,3
    • measurements should be taken every four sagittal oblique images through the region planned for implant
  • other features

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.