Fate of the buccal bone at implants placed early, delayed, or late after tooth extraction analyzed by cone beam CT: 10-year results from a randomized, controlled, clinical study

Influence of buccal bone wall thickness on the peri-implant hard and soft tissue dimensional changes: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The significance on the association between the peri-implant bucco-lingual dimension (BLD) at the stage of implant placement and the occurrence of biological and esthetic complications is yet unknown.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Systematic screening of electronic sources was carried out to identify clinical and preclinical studies reporting on the baseline BLD and/or buccal bone thickness (BBT) values. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of simultaneous grafting at sites with deficient or no buccal bone wall (BBW) at baseline. The primary outcome variables were BBT, BLD, and buccal vertical bone loss (VBL) at re-evaluation. Moreover, radiographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 12 clinical and four preclinical studies met the inclusion criteria. Inconsistencies were found in defining the critical BBT across the clinical and preclinical data evaluated. The clinical evidence demonstrated that during healing, dimensional changes occur in the alveolar bone and in the BBW that may compromise the integrity of the peri-implant bone, leading to VBL and mucosal recession (MR), particularly in scenarios exhibiting a thin BBW. The preclinical evidence validated the fact that implants placed in the presence of a thin BBW, are more prone to exhibit major dimensional changes and VBL. Moreover, the clinical data supported that, in scenarios where dehiscence-type defects occur and are left for spontaneous healing, greater VBL and MR together with the occurrence of biologic complications are expected. Furthermore, the augmentation of dehiscence-type defects is associated with hard and soft tissue stability. PROMs were not reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Dimensional changes occur as result of implant placement in healed ridges that may lead to instability of the peri-implant hard and soft tissues. Sites presenting a thin BBW are more prone to exhibit major changes that may compromise the integrity of the buccal bone and may lead to biologic and esthetic complications.

Effect of metal artifact removal modes on the accuracy of linear measurement around titanium implants by applying different voltages: an original article

BACKGROUND

This study aims to evaluate the effects of the artifact removal algorithm on linear measurements of the buccal cortical plate by altering the voltage.

METHODS

Ten titanium fixtures were inserted at the site of central, lateral, canine, premolars and molars of dry human mandibles. Vertical height of buccal plate was measured using a digital caliper as a gold standard. Mandibles were scanned with 54 and 58 kVp. Other parameters were constant. Images were reconstructed with none, low, medium and high artifact removal modes. Two Oromaxillofacial radiologists evaluated and measured the buccal plate height using Romexis software. Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

In medium and high modes, the difference between 54 and 58 kVp was significant (p < 0.001). No significance was noted by using low ARM (artifact removal mode) at the 54 kVp and 58 kVp.

CONCLUSION

Using artifact removal in low voltage decreases the accuracy of linear measurement and buccal crest visibility. By using high voltage, artifact removal would have no significant effect on accuracy of linear measurements.

Significance of buccal bone wall thickness on the fate of peri-implant hard and soft tissues: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The significance of the association between the peri-implant buccolingual dimension (BLD) at the stage of implant placement and the occurrence of biological and esthetic complications is yet unknown.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Systematic screening of electronic sources was carried out to identify clinical and preclinical studies reporting on the baseline BLD and/or buccal bone thickness (BBT) values. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of simultaneous grafting at sites with deficient or no buccal bone wall (BBW) at baseline. The primary outcome variables were BBT, BLD, and vertical bone loss (VBL) at re-evaluation. Moreover, radiographic, clinical- and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 12 clinical and four preclinical studies met the inclusion criteria. The clinical evidence demonstrated that during healing, dimensional changes occur in the alveolar bone and in the BBW that may compromise the integrity of bone around a dental implant. The preclinical evidence validated the fact that implants placed in the presence of thin BBW are more prone to exhibit major dimensional changes. Moreover, the clinical and preclinical data supported that in scenarios where dehiscence-type defects are left for spontaneous healing, greater VBL and mucosal recession (MR) together with the occurrence of biologic complications are expected. Furthermore, the augmentation of dehiscence-type defects is associated with hard and soft tissue stability.

CONCLUSIONS

Dimensional changes occur as a result of implant placement in healed ridges that may lead to VBL and MR. Thin BBW (≲2 mm) are prone to exhibit major postchanges that may compromise the integrity of the buccal bone, biologic and esthetic complications.

Comparative Evaluation of the Crestal Bone Level Around Pre- and Post-loaded Immediate Endoosseous Implants Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Clinico-Radiographic Study

Introduction  Dental implants replace missing teeth. Dental implants are surgically placed tooth root replacements that secure prosthetic teeth and bridges. Branemark's original dental implant technique included a mesiobuccal flap and a two-stage approach, needing 6-8 months of recovery following extraction, sterile conditions, machined titanium implants, 3-6 months without stress for osseointegration, and a detachable temporary prosthesis. The restoration would usually be ready a year following the implant surgery. Implant treatment seeks the best function, aesthetics, and complication risk. Implant therapy with low patient morbidity and fast extraction-to-restoration times is a secondary target. Instantaneous implant insertion has made implant dentistry more convenient for patients and clinicians. This study measures bone height before, after, and one month after implant placement using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods Participants were selected from oral evaluation candidates. This investigation included 11 people missing front maxillary or mandibular teeth or root components. Diagnostic castings determined the interarch connection before surgery. Alginate maxillary and mandibular arch imprints were cast in Type III dental stone for diagnosis. CBCT scans were taken pre-operatively, post-implant, and post-prosthesis. After the tooth was removed, the empty socket was cleaned up with curettes. An intraoral periapical radiograph and manual probing were done to determine the implant's size. The implant was removed for examination after three months, and healing abutments and gingival formers were placed. Finally, fins were placed. The CBCT images also captured the bone height around the implants. The soft tissue parameters were recorded and evaluated at baseline and one-month following prosthetic loading as plaque index (PI). Radiographic evaluation was done at baseline and one-month following functional loading using CBCT. After one month following functional loading, crestal bone levels were measured again with the help of CBCT using Image J software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, US). Results The sample population had an average age of 42.81 years, with a standard deviation of 13.44 years. Using a paired t-test, we found that the mean PI dropped significantly from pre-loading levels to one-month post-loading levels, with a p-value of less than 0.001. The mean crestal bone level (mesial) evaluated by CBCT at baseline and one-month post-loading was 2.52 ± 1.97 mm and 1.17 ± 1.31 mm, respectively. The mean difference between mean crestal bone loss (distal) at baseline and one-month post-loading was 0.94 ± 1.89 mm, which was not statistically significant. The mean difference between mean crestal bone loss (buccal) at baseline and one-month post-loading was 1.82 ± 1.60 mm, which was statistically significant. The mean difference between mean crestal bone loss (lingual) at baseline and one-month post-loading was 1.91 ± 1.53 which was statistically significant. Conclusion CBCT provides all the diagnostic data needed for implant placement; hence, it is recommended.

Socket-shield technique with minimally invasive osteotomy preparation as well as simultaneous sinus lift utilizing Densah Bur and platelet-rich fibrin membrane followed by immediate implant placement in a symptomatic posterior endodontically treated decayed root stumps site: A case report with 1-year follow-up

Soft-tissue defect and alveolar bundle bone resorption (horizontally and vertically) are inevitable events following tooth extraction predominately on the buccal aspect which will impact the implant surgical planning starting from implant size selection, position, emergence profile, etc. To overcome the same, complex soft and hard tissue regeneration procedures have been recommended in the literature but they are highly expensive and technique sensitive too. To prevent buccal bone resorption and gain good emergence profile socket-shield technique (SST) is widely recommended. Additionally, in order to improve implant biomechanical primary stability, bone mineral density, and bone to implant contact novel osseodensification approach is recommended for osteotomy preparation and sinus membrane lift whereas platelet rich fibrin (PRF) autograft is a suitable alternative for the protection of Schneiderian membrane during immediate implant placement in sinus sub cavity. The present case report describes the successful single-stage management of symptomatic endodontically maltreated posterior root stumps site utilizing SST in conjunction with Densah Bur and PRF autograft-assisted minimally invasive osteotomy preparation and sinus lift with immediate implant placement.

Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Bone Healing in Immediate Implants Analyzed by Cone Beam Computerized Tomography: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The possibility of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the improvement of bone and adjacent tissue recovery has previously been validated. However, there is insufficient data supporting the use of platelet-rich plasma to improve the healing of bone and adjacent tissues around an implant in the oral cavity. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to observe the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) concentrate on marginal bone loss and bone density around immediate implant placement using Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT). This clinical study was conducted over a period of six months on 12 subjects, who were equally categorized into two groups. Group I was the control, whereas the subjects in Group II received PRP therapy at the surgical site. All subjects were given a standard treatment with a single implant system (DIO UFII hybrid sandblasted acid-etched implants). Inserted implants were analyzed through CBCT, and records were registered at baseline, at the 12^th week before functional loading and the 26^th week after functional loading. The bone loss was calculated at the proximal (mesial and distal) side of the implant and bone density at baseline, 12^th week, and 26^th week after implant placement. SPSS version 23.0 was used for statistical analysis of data. The changes in bone levels were measured and compared between the two groups using the Mann-Whitney U test, with no significant difference. Bone density was analyzed by an independent sample t-test, p value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Again, no significant difference in bone density was observed between both groups at all three instances. Therefore, it can be concluded that local injection of PRP after immediate implant placement did not show any decrease in marginal bone loss or improvement in bone density. This trial is registered with NCT04650763.

Immediate implant placement in fresh extraction sockets

Immediate implant placement (IIP) in fresh extraction sockets exhibits similar survival and success rates to delayed implant placement in healed sockets. Several advantages of IIP involve shortened total treatment time, reduction of the number of invasive surgeries, and subsequent reduction of patient discomfort due to lack of additional surgeries. The major shortcomings in IIP, however, include the inability to obtain early bony support, presence of a gap between the extraction socket and fixture, and the inability to cover the fixture with soft tissue, leading to increased risk of infection and implant loss. When IIP is performed, atraumatic or minimally traumatic extractions, conservation of the septal bone in molars, minimal flap elevation or flapless surgery, bone grafting the gap between the fixture and the extraction socket, and coverage with soft tissue or a membrane must be considered.

Accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography is limited at implant sites with a thin buccal bone: A laboratory study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate whether buccal bone thickness (BBT), implant diameter, and abutment/crown material influence the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to determine the buccal bone level at titanium implants.

METHODS

Two implant beds (i.e., narrow and standard diameter) were prepared in each of 36 porcine bone blocks. The implant beds were positioned at a variable distance from the buccal bone surface; thus, resulting in three BBT groups (i.e., >0.5 to 1.0; >1.0 to 1.5; >1.5 to 2.0 mm). In half of the blocks, a buccal bone dehiscence of random extent ("depth") was created and implants were mounted with different abutment/crown material (i.e., titanium abutments with a metal-ceramic crown and zirconia abutments with an all-ceramic zirconia crown). The distance from the implant shoulder to the buccal bone crest was measured on cross-sectional CBCT images and compared with the direct measurements at the bone blocks.

RESULTS

While abutment/crown material and implant diameter had no effect on the detection accuracy of the buccal bone level at dental implants in CBCT scans, BBT had a significant effect. Specifically, when BBT was ≤1.0 mm, a dehiscence was often diagnosed although not present, that is, the sensitivity was high (95.8%), but the specificity (12.5%) and the detection accuracy (54.2%) were low. Further, the average measurement error of the distance from the implant shoulder to the buccal bone crest was 1.6 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the present laboratory study, BBT has a major impact on the correct diagnosis of the buccal bone level at dental titanium implants in CBCT images; in cases where the buccal bone is ≤1 mm thick, detection of the buccal bone level is largely inaccurate.

Use of Buccal Fat Pad in the Treatment of Peri-Implant Mucosal Defect: A Case Report

The present study describes a clinical case in which the buccal fat pad (BFP) was used to improve the contour of the peri-implant mucosa. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of such an application in the literature. A 58-year-old woman presented with teeth #2 and #3 missing and an indication for extraction of tooth #4. After clinical examination and CBCT analysis, immediate implants were placed in the region of the extracted tooth and that of tooth #2 for prosthetic rehabilitation using a three-unit fixed partial denture. There was an extensive mucosal defect in the region of tooth #3, with vertical and horizontal changes in the contour of the mucosa. As an alternative to the use of a subepithelial connective tissue graft, we opted for displacement of the BFP and its accommodation on the alveolar ridge of tooth #3 to improve the buccal tissue contour. After 5 years of follow-up, satisfactory gain and maintenance of mucosal volume were observed in the treated area, as well as improvement of buccal tissue contour. The use of BFP seems to be a feasible alternative for filling and treating peri-implant mucosal defects.

Long-term clinical and radiographic results after treatment or no treatment of small buccal bone dehiscences at posterior dental implants: A randomized, controlled clinical trial

AIM

To test whether or not buccal vertical bone dehiscences (≤5 mm) around posterior implants left for spontaneous healing (SH) result in the same clinical and radiologic outcome as dehiscences treated with guided bone regeneration (GBR) at 7.5 years after implant placement (IMPL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-two patients receiving 28 posterior implants with a small non-contained buccal bone dehiscence (≤5 mm) were randomly assigned to the SH or the GBR group. Implants were loaded at 6 months. Clinical parameters (probing depths, sulcus bleeding index, plaque index) and approximal marginal radiographic bone levels were assessed regularly up to at least 6.8 years. The vertical extension of the dehiscences was measured clinically at IMPL and abutment connection and radiographically on cone beam computed tomographys at a mean follow-up time of 7.5 years.

RESULTS

Twenty patients with a total of 26 implants were recalled at 7.5 years (9.1% dropout). The implant/crown survival rates were 100% in both groups. Stable peri-implant tissues were observed in both groups showing only minimal signs of inflammation. During the entire study period (IMPL-7.5-year follow-up), the median buccal vertical bone gain measured 1.61 mm for the GBR group and 0.62 for the SH group showing no significant difference between the groups. Also, at 7.5 years, the median approximal marginal bone levels (GBR: 0.53; SH: 0.68) were not significantly different between the two groups (p = .61) while the remaining median buccal vertical dehiscences were larger in the SH group (2.51 mm) compared to the GBR group (1.66 mm; p = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Implants with small non-contained buccal bone dehiscences exhibited high implant survival rates and healthy peri-implant tissues at 7.5 years. In the GBR group, the buccal vertical bone levels were higher compared to the SH group but remained stable over the entire study period for both treatments.

Effectiveness and clinical performance of early implant placement for the replacement of single teeth in anterior areas: A systematic review

AIM

To assess the effectiveness and clinical performance of early implant placement, 4-8 (Type 2) or 12-16 weeks (Type 3) after extraction, in single anterior sites.

METHODS

Studies reporting on Type 2 and Type 3 implant placement were identified. Findings were summarized in evidence tables. Main outcome was implant survival. Peri-implant soft and hard tissues changes, periodontal parameters, aesthetics and patient-reported outcomes were also evaluated. Quality of reporting of the included studies was evaluated through Consort, Newcastle-Ottawa scale and IHE quality appraisal checklist.

RESULTS

Nineteen eligible articles (seven from one RCT, three from two CCTs and nine from three case series) reporting on 140 patients and 140 implants were included. Type 3 implants showed comparable results to Type 4: 95% vs. 100% survival rates. Studies reported high values of implant survival, minimal technical and biological complications and high aesthetic scores in both short and long-term follow-ups for both Type 2 and Type 3 implant placement. Quality evaluation highlighted important weaknesses in the included trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited data on Type 2 and Type 3 implant placement appear to indicate that they can perform well both short and long term. However, the limited number of cases, the significant heterogeneity of the included studies and the high risk of biases importantly reduce the generalizability of the findings. CRD42018117363.

Implant placement and loading protocols in partially edentulous patients: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the evidence for the clinical outcome of fixed implant prostheses treated with different combinations of implant placement and loading protocols in partially edentulous patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic search was performed in Medline, Embase, and Central to identify studies investigating the outcome of implants subjected to immediate placement + immediate restoration/loading (Type 1A), immediate placement + early loading (Type 1B), immediate placement + conventional loading (Type 1C), early placement + immediate restoration/loading (Type 2-3A), early placement + early loading (Type 2-3B), early placement + conventional loading (Type 2-3C), late placement + immediate restoration/loading (Type 4A), late placement + early loading (Type 4B), late placement + conventional loading (Type 4C) with implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (IFDPs) in partially edentulous patients. Only human studies with at least 10 cases and a minimum follow-up time of 12 months, reporting on solid-screw-type implants with rough surfaces and an intra-osseous diameter between 3 and 6 mm, were included. A cumulative survival rate for each type of the implant placement and loading protocols was weighted by the duration of follow-up and number of implants.

RESULTS

The search provided 5,248 titles from which 2,362 abstracts and 449 full-text articles were screened. A total of 69 publications that comprised 23 comparative studies (15 randomized controlled trials, 7 controlled clinical trials) and 47 noncomparative studies (34 prospective cohort studies, 13 retrospective cohort studies) were included for analysis. Considerable heterogeneity in study design was found, and therefore, a meta-analysis of controlled studies was not possible. The weighted cumulative survival rate of each type of placement and loading protocol was 98.4% (Type 1A), 98.2% (Type 1B), 96.0% (Type 1C), 100% (Type 2-3B), 96.3% (Type 2-3C), 97.9% (Type 4A), 98.3% (Type 4B), and 97.7% (Type 4C). Type 1C, Type 2-3C, Type 4B, and Type 4C were scientifically and clinically validated (SCV). Type 1A, Type 1B, and Type 4A were clinically documented (CD), and Type 2-3A and Type 2-3B were clinically insufficiently documented (CID).

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluating outcomes in oral implantology by combining the placement and loading protocols are paramount. The selected loading protocol appears to influence the outcome of immediate implant placement.

Accuracy of detecting and measuring buccal bone thickness adjacent to titanium dental implants-a cone beam computed tomography in vitro study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of detecting and measuring buccal bone thickness (BBT) adjacent to titanium implants in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

STUDY DESIGN

Titanium implants (1, 2, or 3), abutments, and metal-ceramic crowns were inserted into 40 bone blocks with various BBTs. CBCT images were acquired in various settings: Voxel sizes (0.2 and 0.13 mm) and reconstruction section thicknesses (2.0 and 5.0 mm) were assessed by 3 examiners. True BBT was measured in digital photographs of the bone blocks. Buccal bone detection was evaluated by sensitivity and specificity. BBT was evaluated by 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) between the true and the CBCT measurements and by calculating the difference between the true measurement and the CBCT measurement (Di-BBT).

RESULTS

Detection of buccal bone exhibited high sensitivity (0.86-1) and low specificity (0.14-1). More implants in the field of view, large voxel size, and thick image reconstruction sections had a negative impact on buccal bone detection. ANOVA showed statistically significantly larger BBT for the CBCT measurements in all settings (1.07-1.21 mm) compared with the true measurements (0.85 mm). Di-BBT was mostly within 0.5 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

BBT adjacent to titanium implants is overestimated when evaluated on CBCT cross-sectional images.

Immediate Early and Delayed Implants: A 2-Year Prospective Cohort Study of 131 Transmucosal Flapless Implants Placed in Sites With Different Pre-extractive Endodontic Infections

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate clinical outcome of early, immediate, and delayed transmucosal implants placed in patients affected by acute/chronic endodontic lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-five consecutive patients received 131 titanium implants with zirconium-oxide blasted surface. Pre-extractive diagnosis represented the main criteria for implant placement timing, following "best treatment" criteria. Implants were placed with flapless transmucosal technique. Hopeless teeth with chronic periapical lesions received atraumatic extraction, and an implant was immediately placed (Immediate Group, n = 29). Teeth with acute periapical lesion/abscess were extracted and implants placed after 8 to 12 weeks (Early Group, n = 29). Implants placed 10- to 12-month after extraction constituted the control group (delayed group, n = 73). Implants were loaded 3 months after insertion with provisional resin crowns and after approximately 15 days with definitive ceramic crowns. Marginal bone loss (MBL) was measured in a single-blind manner on periapical radiographs at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.

RESULTS

Multilevel analysis described exploring factors associated with MBL. Survival rate was 100%. MBL after 24 months was 0.78 ± 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20 to -1.37) at immediate, 0.48 ± 0.70 at early (95% CI: -0.006 to -0.961), and 1.02 ± 1.01 (95% CI: 0.61 to -1.43) at delayed groups. Implant groups (immediate/early/delayed) and location (maxillary/mandibular) showed statistically significant results. Early group showed the lowest MBL values. The immediate group demonstrated less MBL than the delayed group.

CONCLUSION

Early implant placement technique preserves periimplant marginal bone level more than immediate and delayed techniques.

Factors affecting the possibility to detect buccal bone condition around dental implants using cone beam computed tomography

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate factors with impact on the conspicuity (possibility to detect) of the buccal bone condition around dental implants in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Titanium (Ti) or zirconia (Zr) implants and abutments were inserted into 40 bone blocks in a way to obtain variable buccal bone thicknesses. Three combinations regarding the implant-abutment metal (TiTi, TiZr, or ZrZr) and the number of implants (one, two, or three) were assessed. Two CBCT units (Scanora 3D - Sc and Cranex 3D - Cr) and two voxel resolutions (0.2 and 0.13 mm) were used. Reconstructed sagittal images (2.0 and 5.0 mm thickness) were evaluated by three examiners, using a dichotomous scale when assessing the condition of the buccal bone around the implants. A multivariate logistic regression was performed using examiners' detection of the buccal bone condition as the dependent variable. Odds ratio (OR) were calculated separately for each CBCT unit.

RESULTS

Implant-abutment combination (ZrZr) (OR Sc = 19.18, OR Cr = 11.89) and number of implants (3) (OR Sc = 12.10, OR Cr = 4.25) had major impact on buccal bone conspicuity. The thinner the buccal bone, the higher the risk that the condition of the buccal bone could not be detected. The use of lower resolution protocols increased the risk that buccal bone was not properly detected (OR Sc = 1.46, OR Cr = 2.00). For both CBCT units, increasing the image reconstruction thickness increased the conspicuity of buccal bone (OR Sc = 0.33, OR Cr = 0.31).

CONCLUSIONS

Buccal bone conspicuity was impaired by a number of factors, the implant-abutment material being the most relevant. Acquisition and reconstruction factors had minor impact on the detection of the buccal bone condition.

Assessment of metal artefact reduction around dental titanium implants in cone beam CT

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate if the metal artefact reduction (MAR) tool used in the software of the ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH(®) OP300 (Instrumentarium Dental, Tuusula, Finland) can improve the gray value levels in post-operative implant scans.

METHODS

20 potential implant sites were selected from 5 edentulous human dry mandibles. Each mandible was scanned by a CBCT scanner, and images were produced under three different conditions: implant sites drilled but no implants inserted, implants inserted without application of MAR and implants inserted with application of MAR. Using Geomagic(®) Studio 2012 (Geomagic, Morrisville, NC) and 3Diagnosys(®) v. 5.3.1 (3Diemme(®) SRL, Cantù, Italy) software, three scans of each mandible were superimposed. The mean gray value of identical regions of bone around the implants was derived for each condition. The differences between gray value measurements at implant sites derived from different conditions were assessed.

RESULTS

A significant difference was found between mean gray values from the scans with no implants inserted and with implants inserted (with and without MAR) (p = 0.012). No significant difference was revealed for gray values measured from scans with and without MAR (p = 0.975).

CONCLUSIONS

The MAR tool in the software of the ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH OP300 CBCT scanner does not significantly correct the voxel gray values affected by the metal artefact in the vicinity of an implant in human dry mandibles.