Journal of implantology and applied sciences ISSN:2765-7833(Print) 2765-7841(Online) 대한구강악안면임플란트학회지

For preoperative treatment planning before placement of dental implants, a radiographic examination is needed to obtain accurate information on bone dimensions. Especially, to avoid nerve injury during surgery in the foraminal area, guidelines were developed based on the literature with respect to verifying the position of the mental foramen. These guidelines includ ed leaving a 2mm zone of safety between an implant and the coronal aspect of the nerve through observation of the inferior alveolar nerve and mental foramen on panoramic and periapical radiographs prior to implant placement. However, use of CT scans are becoming more widespread because panoramic and periapical radiographic views do not provide clarity with respect to the position of the nerve in many cases. Problems associated with conventional apparatus include high cost, bulk, and x-ray exposure. Recent advancements in Cone beam CT have made it possible to rapidly obtain higher resolution images using less bulky machines and lower radiation exposure. Moreover currently available software programs in combi nation with CBCT data allow 3-dimensional treatment planning in demanding clinical situations prior to implant placement.