Proposed method for the standardized measurement of marginal bone height on periapical radiographs with the Brånemark System.
BACKGROUND
Strict criteria have been stipulated to evaluate success and failure of dental implants. Periapical radiographs are considered an important means of evaluation. However, there is a lack of standardized and reproducible readily available methods to carry this out.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to describe the manufacturing and clinical use of a simple device that enables the clinician to take parallel and reproducible periapical radiographs of dental implants.


METHODS
Commercially available implant prosthetic components and film holder for periapical radiographs were modified and used clinically.


RESULTS
Clinically, the device works effectively and does not require significantly more time.


CONCLUSIONS
The described device is a simple appliance with an uncomplicated method to overcome problems with taking parallel and reproducible radiographs of dental implants, which is especially important when measuring marginal bone height.
Galasso
L
L
D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015921:Dental Implants; D017268:Dental Prosthesis Retention; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D015921:Dental Implants