Radiographic aids in Implantology

Dental implants also known as oral or endosseous implants have been used to replace missing teeth for more than half a century. They are considered to be an important contribution to dentistry as they have revolutionized the way by which missing teeth are replaced with a high success rate. However, dental implants present new challenges for dentists and may not be suitable for all patients especially those with a history of past or current smoking, periodontal disease, uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabeties mellitus, or poor oral hygiene, all of which are risk factors associated with implant failure. In patients clinically determined to be good candidate to receive dental implants, thorough examination and careful planning are essential to avoid anatomical structures during osteotomy preparation and ensure placement of the dental implant in a position that maximises restorative potential and preserve the health of the patient and long term stability of the implant. Dental implant technology has undergone dramatic changes in the past few years and has become a significant treatment planning option in restorative dentistry.