Computed tomography in dental implantation surgery.
High-resolution thin section CT with cross-sectional oblique and panoramic CT reconstructions has been shown to be an excellent tool for the preoperative evaluation of the mandible and maxilla for dental implant surgery. Oblique cross-sections throughout the entire surgical field allow visualization of osseous topography as well as related internal anatomic structures such as the inferior alveolar canal, the mental foramina, the incisive canal, and the maxillary sinuses. Armed with this knowledge, the surgeon-restorative dentist team can plan fixture positioning more effectively, thereby minimizing surprises in the operating room. Cases with inadequate buccolingual bone dimension are not attempted, whereas many other cases that do not appear to have adequate bone, as seen on conventional x-ray films, can be successfully implanted. The ultimate prosthesis is optimized because the surgeon can take full advantage of the available bone to achieve proper fixture alignment. It is quite likely that as future experience is obtained with maxillofacial CT, it may also be useful in diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of other disorders of the jaw.