Denta Scan: CT software program used in the anatomic evaluation of the mandible and maxilla in the perspective of endosseous implant surgery

Abstract

A radiological technique, using a new CT software program for the evaluation of alveolar process height and width, is presented. Irradiation is kept within acceptable limits when this technique is used. Measurements obtained with this technique were compared with those obtained on panoramic radiographs in 40 "half-jaws" (21 maxillar and 19 mandibular). We found that new indications for implantation emerge in the mandibular region because 'Denta Scan' can sometimes show possibilities to place implants on the buccal side of the canal (2 of 19 mandibular cases) when no possibilities are present above the canal on both the panoramic radiographs and Denta Scan images. In the maxillar region Denta Scan avoids unnecessary interventions by demonstrating the insufficient width of the alveolar ridge, often missed on panoramic radiographs (4 of 21 maxillar cases). Moreover the use of Denta Scan allows the use of implants with optimal length and diameter (23 of the 40 cases), giving better long-term results.