ATM technique - a novel radiographic technique to assess the position of buccal shelf implants

Success of the buccal shelf implants depends on its proper placement. Radiographic techniques like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), posteroanterior cephalogram (PA cephalogram) have been used to evaluate the position of buccal shelf implant placement. However, these techniques have disadvantages like increased radiation exposure, metal artifact, less availability in dental offices and are more expensive.The aim of Arvind's Trans Mandibular (ATM) technique is to overcome this drawback by using an intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPA) film or radiovisiography (RVG) sensor to assess the post-operative placement of buccal shelf implants.

Radiographs were taken for four patients after the placement of buccal shelf implants. The IOPA sensor was placed beneath the lower border of the mandible using this modified extraoral technique to assess the position of the buccal shelf implants in relation to the adjacent molars. The findings from the IOPA image were verified with CBCT images.

The radiographic images taken using ATM technique were compared with the gold-standard CBCT technique. The ATM technique was able to accurately assess the postoperative buccolingual position of the implant with respect to the roots of molars in all the four cases. The proximity of the implant to the roots of the molar can be clearly visualized in all the cases.

ATM is a novel radiographic technique using IOPA radiographic film or RVG sensor to assess the post-operative buccolingual placement of buccal shelf implants in relation to lower molar roots.