The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of distance measurements of implant length based on periapical radiographs compared with that of other modalities. We carried out an experimental trial to compare precision in distance measurement. Dental implant fixtures were buried in the canine and first molar regions. These were then subjected to periapical (PE) radiography, panoramic (PA) radiography, conventional (CV) and medical computed (CT) tomography. The length of the implant fixture on each film was measured by nine observers and degree of precision was statistically analyzed. The precision of both PE radiographs and CT tomograms was closest at the highest level. Standardized PE radiography, in particular, was superior to CT tomography in the first molar region. This suggests that standardized PE radiographs should be utilized as a reliable modality for longitudinal and linear distance measurement, depending on implant length at local implantation site.

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Based on technical studies and clinical examinations, the clinical value of a new three-dimensional dento-alveolar imaging system, Tuned-Aperture Computed Tomography (TACT ® ), were examined for dental applications. TACT is a conventional and low-cost tomosynthesis method in which the benefit of digitization is fully utilized. The clinical information yield of TACT has been examined for the detection of dental caries, periodontal defects and radicular fractures, and also for the pre-surgical assessment of implant placement and impacted teeth. In this article, we introduce basic TACT technology, review the literature pertaining to in vitro and in vivo studies, and describe the outline of our study of TACT to determine its clinical value in the assessment of impacted maxillary teeth.