Ultrasonography and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography for Peri-implant Tissue Evaluation

A Retrospective Study on Use of Ultrasonography and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography for Evaluating Peri-implant Tissue

Objectives: Although cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is becoming a standard of care in implant therapy, concerns have been raised recently about its limitation in imaging peri-implant tissues due to artifacts. The aim of present study was to demonstrate the complementary role of ultrasound (US), for a comprehensive examination of peri-implant tissues in live humans. Material and Methods: Patients with > 1 implant, a CBCT scan, an US scan, and clinical photographs taken during the open-bone surgery were included. The crestal bone thickness (CBT) and facial bone level (FBL) were measured on both modalities, and direct FBL measurements were also made on clinical images. The correlation plots were made to evaluate the measurement agreements between the 3 methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• the patients had to have ≥ 1 implant with a CBCT scan, US scan, and clinical photographs taken during the surgery, e.g. a revision/explantation surgery due to peri-implantitis or a 2nd stage uncover surgery.