Feasibility of Dentascan in planning of implant surgery in posterior maxilla and mandible

Abstract

ObjectivesThe present evaluate the feasibility of Computed tomography (Dentascan), in assessment of the implant site in posterior maxilla & mandible. Material and Methodsdata of total 11 patients with 20 implant sites were involved in the present study. Out of the 20 implant sites selected 10 were in posterior maxilla and 10 in posterior mandible. All the patients were routinely examined by panoramic radiography and CT. All images obtained i.e., conventional panoramic radiograph, and film based Dentascan MPR- CT images were evaluated for the detectability of mandibular canal at the mental foramen, 1cm, 2cm, and 3cm posterior to mental foramen. The judgments were then compared by using the four point grading score. ResultsBoth the statistical analysis and radiographic observation showed that Dentascan MPR CT gives significantly clearer images at the mental foramen and 1cm, 2cm , 3cm posterior to it. Dentascan also provides significantly better visualization of the vital structures along with the bone density. The panoramic and Dentascan MPR CT images did not show a significant difference in visualization of the crest of alveolar ridge in both maxillary as well as the mandibular arch. ConclusionThe Dentascan MPR- CT images revealed significantly clearer images as well as better visualization of the vital structures than conventional panoramic radiography. Apart from providing clearer images Dentascan also gives the buccopalatal/buccolingual dimension at the implant site, along with the density of the available bone.