[Diagnostic value of dental implants in the posterior maxilla using cone beam computed tomography].

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic value of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with orthpantomography(OPG) for dental implants at the posterior maxilla.

Methods: 75 patients (89 positions) with dental implants in the posterior maxilla were assessed with CBCT and orthopantomography. The horizontal height from the top of the alveolar bone to the floor of sinus was measured through CBCT and OPG. The results were processed statistically with SPSS 11.5 software package for Chi-square test.

Results: Bone deficiency was detected in 30.34% and 16.85% cases by CBCT and OPG respectively with significant difference(P=0.034). Bone osteointegration was detected in 4.95% and 11.88% cases with CBCT and OPG respectively without significant difference(P=0.413).

Conclusions: The quantity of bone could be evaluated more precisely by CBCT than OPG. The peri-implant bone could be demonstrated more clearly by CBCT than OPG.