Method for radiographic assessment of alveolar bone level at endosseous implants and abutment teeth

Abstract

Abstract— A radiographic method expressing the alveolar bone level in absolute figures is presented. By means of a calibrated measuring radiographic film fixed to a magnifying viewer, alveolar bone levels were determined directly on intraoral periodic “identical” radiographs. A polyether impression was made for fixation of the filmholder in order to obtain reproducible radiographs. The method was applied to assess changes in the alveolar bone level at endosseous implants and abutment teeth. Radiographs af 23 endosseous implants and 21 abutment teeth from nine patients were examined and measurements of the alveolar bone level were perfarmed. The mean difference between double observations on the same exposure as well as on repeated exposures was about 0.2 mm (s.d. 0,17–0.32 mm). The uncertainty of the present radiographic method was mainly due to the measurement procedure, as the radiographic technique showed a high degree of reproducibility. The method is a simple and reliable technique for longitudinal investigations of changes in the alveolar bone level at endasseous implant and tooth abutments.

Effect of surface topography of screw‐shaped titanium implants in humans on clinical and radiographic parameters: a 12‐year prospective study

“…Other studies that have used filmholders fixated on implants only; unfortunately, they do not report any reproducibility data (Cox & Pharoah 1986; Gotfredsen et al 1993). The intra‐observer reproducibility regarding the marginal bone‐level measurements was comparable to other studies (Larheim et al 1979; Adell et al 1986, 1990; Meijer et al 1991).…”

A paralleling technique modification to determine the bone crest level around dental implants

“…Periapical radiography allows examination of crestal bone levels precisely at the mesial and distal sites of an implant only if proper projection geometry is 13 and customized occlusal records combined with a long-cone technique, 9 projection errors related to rotation and angulation can be significantly decreased. When taking periapical radiographs, an attempt should be made to perfectly align the radiographic film with the long axis of the implant to evaluate crestal bone loss patterns (right-angle technique combined with paralleling technique and a customized bite record).…”

“…This is the correct definition and localization of the structures to be evaluated on the film. 9,17 The main source of error seemed to be the recognition of reference points on the interface between the alveolar bone and teeth/implant. 18 In order to avoid or minimize these errors, several standardized procedures have appeared in the literature.…”

“…Some authors have pointed out this important methodological limitation by stating that the main source of errors may be the correct recognition of the reference points in the interface between the alveolar bone and the implant or tooth. 9 The aim of this work is two-fold: to analyse the precision of a modification of the long cone parallel technique that can be used in those cases with important anatomical limitations and to check the influence of the reference points' definition of objects to be measured by using the standard and the modified techniques.…”

Implant image quality in dental radiographs recorded using a customized imaging guide or a standard film holder

“…Attempts have been made to develop techniques for reproducible recording of implants in intraoral radiographs (Larheim et al 1979; Larheim & Eggen 1982; Meijer et al 1992; Meijndert et al 2004). However, to the authors' knowledge, no previous studies have systematically evaluated the possible advantage of using a projection standardization guide instead of a free hand method regarding the number of radiographs required to obtain an acceptable image of an implant.…”