Comparison of radiographic image characteristics of Brånemark and IMZ implants

A Brånemark standard titanium implant and an IMZ plasma flame spray-coated implant were radiographed experimentally under standardized circumstances. Angulations in relation to film plane and central X-ray as well as rotations around the implant's longitudinal axis were varied. The influence of implant architecture on image density and image pattern was analyzed and images of the two types of implants were compared. The Brånemark implant is asymmetric and exhibits only radiographic burnout in its apical area. The 4 vertical apical cuts cause very distracting images and leave the impression that the implant is conical. It is possible to evaluate angulations with great accuracy from the thread profile, but there are limited possibilities for estimation of rotational stages. The IMZ implant shows symmetric images in any projection. The 4 vertical slits cause a disturbing burnout in the central part of the implant in certain views, and radiographic images are very inconstant. Possibilities of estimating angulation and rotation are varying. Differences in radiographic image characteristics are supposed to influence diagnostic yield as they affect the possibilities of identifying osseointegration radiographically and of controlling image identity in serial radiography.