Influence of radiographic acquisition methods and visualization software programs on the detection of misfits at the implant-abutment interface: An ex vivo study

Abstract

Statement of problemMisfits at the implant-prosthesis interface may compromise implant-supported prostheses. Periapical radiographs are frequently used to detect misfit and can be obtained by using digital or film-based systems; however, which radiographic acquisition method and visualization software program provides the greatest accuracy is unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this ex vivo study was to evaluate the influence of 3 radiographic acquisition methods (complementary metal oxide semiconductor [CMOS] sensor, phosphor plates, and radiographic films) and 2 visualization software programs (proprietary and third-party) on the detection of misfits at the implant-prosthesis interface. Material and methodsThirty-two dental implants were placed in dry human mandibles. Misfits were simulated by inserting a 50-μm polyester strip at the implant-prosthesis interface; prosthetic crowns installed directly over the implant platforms were considered as controls. Standard parallel periapical radiographs were obtained by using a CMOS sensor, a phosphor plate, and radiographic films. Five dentists assessed the digital radiographs for the presence or absence of misfits at the implant-prosthesis interface by using the proprietary software program and a third-party software program; film-based radiographs were evaluated on a light box. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (Az values) were compared (α=.05); sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values were also estimated. ResultsAll diagnostic and Az values were higher for the phosphor plate than for the CMOS sensor and the film-based methods (P<.05), regardless of the viewing software program used (proprietary or third-party) (P>.05). ConclusionsThe use of phosphor plates positively influenced the diagnostic accuracy for the detection of misfits at the implant-prosthesis interface, irrespective of the viewing software program used.