Volume 35, Issue 8 pp. 793-809
REVIEW ARTICLE

The current role and future potential of digital diagnostic imaging in implant dentistry: A scoping review

João Marcus de Carvalho e Silva Fuglsig

João Marcus de Carvalho e Silva Fuglsig

Section for Oral Radiology and Endodontics, Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

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Isabella Neme Ribeiro dos Reis

Isabella Neme Ribeiro dos Reis

Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo—USP, São Paulo, Brazil

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Andy Wai Kan Yeung

Andy Wai Kan Yeung

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

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Michael M. Bornstein

Michael M. Bornstein

Department of Oral Health & Medicine, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel UZB, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland

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Rubens Spin-Neto

Corresponding Author

Rubens Spin-Neto

Section for Oral Radiology and Endodontics, Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

Correspondence

Rubens Spin-Neto, Section for Oral Radiology and Endodontics, Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Vennelyst Boulevard 9, Aarhus 8000, Denmark.

Email: [email protected]

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First published: 22 November 2023
Citations: 16

Abstract

Objectives

Diagnostic imaging is crucial for implant dentistry. This review provides an up-to-date perspective on the application of digital diagnostic imaging in implant dentistry.

Methods

Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed focusing on the question ‘when (and why) do we need diagnostic imaging in implant dentistry?’ The search results were summarised to identify different applications of digital diagnostic imaging in implant dentistry.

Results

The most used imaging modalities in implant dentistry include intraoral periapical radiographs, panoramic views and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). These are dependent on acquisition standardisation to optimise image quality. Particularly for CBCT, other technical parameters (i.e., tube current, tube voltage, field-of-view, voxel size) are relevant minimising the occurrence of artefacts. There is a growing interest in digital workflows, integrating diagnostic imaging and automation. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been incorporated into these workflows and is expected to play a significant role in the future of implant dentistry. Preliminary evidence supports the use of ionising-radiation-free imaging modalities (e.g., MRI and ultrasound) that can add value in terms of soft tissue visualisation.

Conclusions

Digital diagnostic imaging is the sine qua non in implant dentistry. Image acquisition protocols must be tailored to the patient's needs and clinical indication, considering the trade-off between radiation exposure and needed information. growing evidence supporting the benefits of digital workflows, from planning to execution, and the future of implant dentistry will likely involve a synergy between human expertise and AI-driven intelligence. Transiting into ionising-radiation-free imaging modalities is feasible, but these must be further developed before clinical implementation.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.

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