The evaluation of digital panoramic radiographs taken for implant dentistry in the daily practice.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted 1/ to find out the effects of anatomical sites and implant types on the magnification and 2/ to evaluate the inter-observer variability on the evaluation using the digital panoramas taken at daily practices.


METHODS
Panoramic radiographs from 156 patients treated with implants were evaluated by three observers. The length was measured on the lateral aspect of the implant in 1:1 mode using image measurement program and the percent magnification was calculated. The inter-observer correlation coefficient was measured to express inter-observer variability using reliability analysis-scale.


RESULTS
The average magnification factor in the panoramic radiograph was 126.8 % in the vertical plane. Location within the anatomic arch showed different magnification by a minimum of 119.4 to a maximum of 130.8 %. The measurements among three examiners were well correlated showing correlation coefficient of 0.81. The differences between one side from the contralateral side was evaluated and it was shown that the differences were observed only seen maxillary anterior and upper premolar regions. Additionally, the external non-submerged group had the highest magnification value.


CONCLUSIONS
Digital panoramic radiographs showed sufficient accuracy and good inter-examiner agreement. The radiographic magnification of implant length was influenced by anatomical sites and implant types.
Park
Jun-Beom
JB
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. jbassoonis@yahoo.co.kr
D000328:Adult; D015921:Dental Implants; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000592:standards*; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
D015921:Dental Implants