IMAGING MODALITIES IN IMPLANTOLOGY

Radiographic imaging has always been an important part of dental implant procedures from the beginning. Appropriate treatment planning, in which imaging plays a pivotal role, helps to ensure a satisfactory prognosis.

The development of precise presurgical imaging techniques and surgical templates allows the dentist to place implants with relative ease and predictability. For many years, treatment planning for implant placement was done by clinical examination and 2-D imaging modalities and has been used with high success rates in clinical practice for over 30 years. With the advancement of 3D imaging modalities, radiation exposure has been considerably reduced and hence decreased radiation hazards. Modalities commonly used in clinical practice include intraoral and panoramic projections, linear and complex motion tomography, computed tomography(CT), cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT). Few newer imaging modalities like Simplant, Dentascan, Dentiplan, and Dentaslice with 3-D reconstructions can further enhance success and satisfaction with implant placement. This poster gives an overview of current practices in implant imaging, which would enable the dentist to select and use an appropriate imaging modality for treatment planning.