Assessment of Maxillo-Mandibular Implant Sites by Digitized Volumetric Tomography

Abstract

BACKGROUNDRadiographic examination plays a vital role in pre-evaluation of implant site for assessing the amount of bone available and to assess the proximity of implant site to vital anatomical structures. We wanted to assess maxillo-mandibular implant sites by Digitized Volumetric Tomography. METHODSThis cross-sectional study included 36 implant sites in 25 healthy subjects. All the sites were evaluated by measuring the height and width of the available alveolar ridge, the proximity to maxillary sinus as well as inferior alveolar canal, the width of the cortical plates and by evaluating visibility of mandibular canal by using Digitized Volumetric Tomography. RESULTS (63.88%) were maxillary implant sites and 13 (36.11%) were mandibular sites. The presence of type A bone was found to be maximum at implant sites. Out of 20 maxillary posterior implant sites, 2 (10%) sites belonged to SA1 group, 7 (35%) sites to SA2 group, 8 sites to SA3 group and 3 sites to SA4 group. At 8 sites, mandibular canal was clearly visible. Significant difference is observed between buccal cortical width of maxilla and mandible (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONSDigitized Volumetric Tomography successfully showed the presence and proximity of vital surrounding structures and anatomical variations. This can be used in assessment of implant site and thus helps in successful implant placement with excellent prognosis.