Reliability of linear distance measurements of surgical implants and gutta percha lengths used in endodontic treatment with standardized digital radiography

Abstract

Aim: The length of gutta percha cones used in endodontic treatment and of dental implants used in dental surgery were compared with the lengths of periapical radiographs taken with phosphor plates and panoramic radiographs.
 Methodology: This study included 120 radiographs: 60 panoramic and 60 periapical radiographs, 30 of dental implants and 30 of gutta percha cones. The actual length and width measurements of both implants and gutta percha cones were compared with panoramic radiographs and length and width measurements on periapical radiographs.
 Results: When the measurements made on panoramic and periapical radiographs taken with phosphor plates were evaluated statistically, it was apparent that the periapical radiographs taken with phosphor plate showed less magnification error than did those taken with the panoramic technique.
 Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of the limitations of the techniques used in clinical dentistry, comparing data obtained with digital radiographs of surgical implants and gutta percha cones. 
 Keywords: Implant length, gutta percha length, standardized digital radiography, dental x-ray measurement
 How to cite this article: Colak M, Adiguzel O, Aktuna Belgin C, Falakaloglu S, Akkus Z. Reliability of linear distance measurements of surgical implants and gutta percha lengths used in endodontic treatment with standardized digital radiography. Int Dent Res 2017;7:1-5.
 Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.