Prevalence and characteristics of findings related implant in panoramic x-rays

Abstract

Introduction: In Colombia, the latest oral health study shows that about 70% of the population suffer from partial edentulism, while 5.2% lose all teeth between the ages of 65 and 79. Implant rehabilitation is an increasingly and widely used option, which requires clinical and X-ray follow-up. Panoramic X-ray examination is a low-cost option. In this case, the area of bone loss, the middle and distal angle of the implant, the relationship with the anatomical structure and the related lesions of periimplant inflammation can be observed. Data on X-ray findings associated with dental implants need to be reported and analyzed to determine risk factors for success in patients using these implants. Objective: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of findings related to osseointegrated implants in panoramic X-ray films. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional observation was used to select 10,000 digital panoramic photos from the radiation center in Bogota, Colombia, of which 543 were related to the presence of implants. The position, angle and distance from adjacent structures of each implant were evaluated using program ClínicalView® (Orthopantomograph OP200D, Instrumentarium, USA). Result: The X-ray frequency of implants was 5.43%. There were 1,791 implants, with an average of 3.2 X-rays per time. They have a higher proportion in the maxilla and are located on the crest at an angle of 10.3 degrees. 32% of patients had implant/tooth or implant/implant distance below the optimal value. 40.9% of the patients were repaired, and 1.2% of the patients had periodontitis. Conclusion: The high proportion of modified implants has a risk factor that affects their long-term survival, whether due to angle, ridge or ridge location, adjacent teeth or other implants, or because they are irreparable.