The Effect of Implant-Induced Artifacts on Interpreting Adjacent Bone Structures on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Scans.

Introduction: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging can be used to visualize anatomical structures before implant placement. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of implant artifacts on the accuracy of measuring periimplant bone dimensions.

Materials And Methods: Nineteen implants were placed into 9 fresh, frozen cadavers. A CBCT scan was taken, the implants were removed, and a second scan was taken. Implant dimensions and periimplant bone measurements were calculated. The mean differences were compared with paired t tests. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated for bone thickness measurements.

Discussion: No significant differences were found between the implant dimension or bone thickness measurements on each scan. Bone thickness at the implant platform and apex were significantly correlated (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The presence of dental implants did not impact the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) measurements of bone thickness by metallic artifacts.