Multi-planar and cross-sectional oblique scanning (CT) in implant surgery

A comprehensive clinical examination followed by a radiographic assessment of the edentulous areas is a prerequisite to placing dental implants. Although radiographic assessment of the mandible is accurate using plain film radiography this is not so for the maxilla for which computed tomography is often necessary. In this study patients requiring the placement of maxillary implants were referred for multi-planar cross-sectional oblique and panoramic computed tomography (CT scan) in addition to standard radiographic views. After interpretation of the CT scans patients could be categorized into two groups. One group comprised those patients who could be treated with a standard protocol for implant placement; the second group required augmentation procedures to supplement bone volume. After implant placement, a minimum healing period of 24 weeks was adhered to prior to placing healing abutments. By 27 months 95.5 per cent of Brånemark System fixtures were osseo-integrated.