Thursday, October 25, 2007
Case Background
At the initial examination, the patient presented with tooth No. 21 missing; it had been extracted several years previously.
Radiographs are taken to determine if the area is an appropriate candidate for single tooth implant. For accurate planning purposes, a radiographic marker of known diameter is attached to the adjacent teeth before the X-ray is taken. The marker on the image is calibrated to compensate for distortion.
Case Treatment
Various implant models (including a 1.5 mm safety margin) are subsequently overlaid onto the X-ray image until the appropriate size determined.
During the surgical phase, the pilot hole is prepared, and a directional post is placed. An X-ray of the site is taken. The post on the image is calibrated to compensate for distortion.
The proposed implant model is placed on the image to verify its selection or others models can be overlaid. The area can also be accurately measured to determine distances to anatomical structures.
The implant is placed and a post-op X-ray is taken before the flap is closed.
Post Operative
Patient is scheduled for followup visits. When healed, the tooth is restored. The area can then be monitored over time through -visual and radiographic exam and use of osseous monitoring software.
