Imaging Recommendations for Dental Implants

Panoramic imaging is appropriate for initial assessment while CBCT is recommended for presurgical planning and implant placement.^52,60,96

CBCT applications in implant therapy:

• 3D imaging is recommended when the clinical examination indicates bone grafting or reconstruction is needed.⁵²

• CBCT imaging should be used to assess the relationship of relevant structures to the implant site.^52,60,96

• 3D imaging is recommended to assess the volume of bone in edentulous ridge implant sites (Figure 11).⁵²

• CBCT imaging should be used to assess the maxillary sinus and alveolar ridge prior to augmentation procedures.^52,60,96

• CBCT imaging is necessary for fabrication of surgical guides that are static or used during dynamic navigation of implant placement.^52,60,96

• CBCT should be used to assess implant sites previously augmented.^52,60,96

• CBCT should be used to assess complications with previously placed implants.^52,60,96,97

Implant restoration delivery imaging should be conducted using 2D intraoral radiography.¹ A bitewing or periapical should be placed perpendicular to the implant to provide baseline peri-implant bone level information and for long-term reassessment.^3,60

Implant maintenance imaging includes:

• Periodic 2D intraoral radiographic imaging evaluation of the implant as an adjunct to recall visit or maintenance examination undertaken on the basis of the clinical judgement of the dentist or dental care professional.⁹⁸

• 2D intraoral radiographic imaging is the modality of choice to evaluate the peri-implant bone level.^52,60,97,98

• CBCT is the modality of choice to evaluate implant complications associated with improper anatomic implant location.⁹⁹

CBCT in autotransplantation:

• CBCT is recommended to assess the integrity of the donor tooth and recipient site.^99-101

• CBCT is recommended for fabrication of the replica donor tooth try-in.^99-101

• 2D imaging is recommended to assess the survival of the autotransplanted tooth.³