A Transymphyseal X-ray Projection to Assess the Anterior Edentulous Mandible Prior to Implant Placement

From Volume 35, Issue 10, December 2008 | Pages 689-694

Authors

Andrew Shelley

BDS, MFGDP(UK) DPDS, MGDS RCS(Ed), FFGDP(UK), FDS RCS(Ed)

General Dental Practitioner, Denton, Manchester

Articles by Andrew Shelley

Keith Horner

BChD, MSc, PhD, FDS RCPS(Glasg), FRCR DDR

Senior Lecturer/Honorary Consultant in Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, University Dental Hospital of Manchester

Articles by Keith Horner

Abstract

The provision of an implant-retained overdenture with two implants in the canine regions is a well established treatment modality. Assessment of the form of the anterior mandible is essential in order to avoid surgical complications. Cross-sectional imaging gives ideal images but has radiation and economic costs. A panoramic radiograph supplemented by a lateral cephalometric radiograph is commonly used in these cases, but the latter is not widely available in dental practices. A transymphyseal radiographic technique is presented, using equipment and materials readily available in general dental practice, which may be used as an alternative to the lateral cephalometric radiograph.

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