Imaging of dental implants in severely resorbed maxillae using detailed narrow-beam radiography. A methodological study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the accuracy of the detailed narrow-beam (DNB) technique with the Scanora multimodal X-ray unit for the assessment of dental implants in severely resorbed maxillae as an alternative to conventional intra-oral radiography.


METHODS
The DNB technique was used in 15 consecutive patients with maxillary overdentures supported by implants in the canine regions. Both conventional intra-oral radiographs and DNB radiographs were also obtained for a further 15 consecutive patients with maxillary fixed prostheses on implants in the canine region. The marginal bone height was scored in relation to the threads on the implants.


RESULTS
Intra-observer agreement was 95%. There was an 84% agreement between the two radiographic methods: the difference was at most one thread and was not significant (p = 0.43).


CONCLUSIONS
The DNB technique is an accurate alternative when conventional intra-oral techniques cannot be used properly.
Svenson
B
B
Department of Oral Diagnostic Radiology, Postgraduate Dental Education Center, Orebro, Sweden.
Palmqvist
S
S
D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D015921:Dental Implants; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003828:Denture, Overlay; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital / Q000379:methods*; D014056:Tomography, X-Ray
D015921:Dental Implants