Summary

Abstract

Placement of oral endosseous implants has become a common method of treatment for both completely and partially edentulous patients. A careful pre-operative radiographic examination remains a prerequisite for optimal installation of implants from a surgical as well as from a prosthetic point of view. Interference with certain anatomic structures may cause serious problems for the patient, such as loss of the implant or paraesthesiae. Intra-oral radiography has been used for many years as a routine examination of specific regions of the jaw bones. To more precisely determine jaw bone quality and quantity for pre-operative planning for implant rehabilitation, specialised radiological examinations have to be carried out. CT scanning remains the method of choice for pre-operative planning and implant placement in maxillary and distal mandibular areas. Besides the pre-operative radiographic planning, a radiographic follow-up of endosseous implants is required to evaluate the peri-implant bone remodelling and possibly detect complications. For the radiological follow-up, standardised radiographs are needed. Optimally, an intra-oral digital radiograph taken with the long-cone paralleling technique may reveal precise quantitative information of the peri-implant bone. Digitalisation and subtraction may objectivate the bone density.