[New imaging with computed tomography in dental implantology]

The authors report on a new image processing technique, for the imaging of both mandible and maxilla, which is very useful for oral specialists, especially in pre- and postoperative protocols for dental implants. After performing very thin axial scans (1-2 mm) with overlapping and without gantry tilt, of the mandible and/or maxilla, the data are reconstructed with a Elscint DentaCT software. With this program, multiple panoramic alveolar views can be obtained in a very short time (about 5 minutes), with a focal plane which can be easily modified by the operator; these planes are parallel to the curved axis of maxilla or mandible. Furthermore, the operator can get multiple images absolutely cross-sectional to the curved axis of alveolar regions (radial sections) and can image the number of cross-sectional planes and the distance between them. In all studied patients (41 over the last 6 months, 66 images overall), DentaCT yielded an excellent representation not only of all anatomical structures but also of every single implant; this allowed a complete preoperative planning based on morphovolumetric, densitometric and spatial data, together with the correct evaluation of implant positioning and of osteointegration success.