1Postgraduate trainee, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Email: dr.smrutie9@gmail.com
2Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, I.T.S. Dental College, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Email: dr.saplinpradhan@gmail.com
3Postgraduate trainee, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Email: srkaromr@gmail.com
4Postgraduate trainee, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Email: aanusikha.07@gmail.com
5Postgraduate trainee, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Institute of Dental Sciences, Siksha o Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Email: sahunatasha.1999@gmail.com
6Postgraduate trainee, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Email: manritmilina@gmail.com
Background: Accurate radiographic assessment is fundamental for successful dental implant planning. Conventional two-dimensional radiographs such as intraoral periapical and panoramic images are widely used but have inherent limitations, including distortion and inability to assess buccolingual bone width. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) offers three-dimensional visualization and may enhance diagnostic precision.
Aim: To comparatively evaluate the accuracy and clinical impact of CBCT versus traditional radiographs in dental implant planning.
Materials and Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted on 100 partially edentulous patients indicated for implant placement. Each patient underwent traditional radiographic evaluation (IOPA and OPG) followed by CBCT imaging. Bone height, anatomical landmarks, and implant planning parameters were assessed using both modalities. Buccolingual bone width was measured using CBCT and compared with intraoperative findings. Surgical measurements served as the reference standard. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and chi-square tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results: Mean bone height measured by traditional radiographs was significantly higher than intraoperative findings (p < 0.001), indicating overestimation. CBCT measurements showed no statistically significant difference from surgical measurements (p > 0.05). CBCT accurately assessed buccolingual bone width and identified vital anatomical structures in 100% of cases. Treatment plan modifications were required in 32% of patients after CBCT evaluation (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: CBCT provides superior diagnostic accuracy and significantly influences implant treatment planning compared to conventional radiographs. Its use is particularly beneficial in anatomically complex cases to enhance surgical precision and minimize complications...
Keywords: Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Dental Implant Planning, Panoramic Radiography, Radiographic Accuracy, Three-Dimensional Imaging.
How to cite this article: Mohapatra SP, Pradhan S, Kar SR, Anusikha A, Sahu N, Milina M; A Comparative evaluation of the use of CBCT v/s traditional radiographs for implant planning..Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16 (13s): 42-48; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.13s.4
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: Nil.