Indonesian Journal of Dentistry 2006; Edisi Khusus KPPIKG XIV: 284-287
Radiographic examination has a very important role in dental implant treatment, including preoperative planning and intra operative and postoperative assessment. ln preoperative planning, radiographic examination has an ability to visualize critical mandibular anatomic organ such as mandibular foramen, mandibular canals, and mental foramina, which will guide the choice of implant length, diameter, and position. Besides, it also can reveal variation of quality and quantity of the jaw bone. Radiographic examination for postoperative assessment of dental implant is usually addressed for evaluation of implant position. Development and application modem imaging modalities in dento-maxillofacial radiology have very important role for better accuracy and more comprehensive dental implant treatment. One of modern radiographic imaging technique for this purpose is conventional linier tomography. This modality yields visualization of bone quality and quantity in high detail and accuracy, including bone condition in buccallingual dimension. Thus the choice of implan type, shape and size can be obtained precisely and furthermore reducing iatrogenic damage of critical anatomic organ. Radiation dose of conventional linier tomography is relatively lower comparing with other modern imaging modalities such as CT scan, besides that it also has lower cost so it has beneficial economical point. However, for a certain case and condition, there will be some need for combining conventional linier tomography with other technique, such as the panoramic and periapical technique.
