Optimised Implant Selection Using Digital Volume Tomography (DVT) Osteodensitometry

PURPOSE: The density of the jaw bone has an inhomogeneous distribution and, even within partial volumes, varies more or less strongly from the size of typical implants. Consequently, the primary stability of implants using conventional techniques can only ever be determined postimplantation. The aim of the present case report is to present digital volume tomography (DVT) osteodensitometry as a procedure for assessing the primary stability preimplantation and to evaluate its benefits. METHODS: An orthopantomogram (OPT) and vertical sections, including bone density measurement, were obtained from a DVT in the course of preimplantological diagnosis. Conventional implant planning and densitometric simulation were performed on this basis. RESULTS: Densitometric simulation enabled assessment of the bone density at the interface to the implant body preimplantation. This procedure provides not only an overall value (averaged density) but also allocation of bone areas with different densities to the adjacent areas on the implant surface. This then allows the implant with the best possible macroscopic geometry and optimum position to be selected, with the aim of maximising primary stability. In the present case, the maximum torques during insertion confirmed the densitometric values recorded in advance. CONCLUSION: DVT osteodensitometry enables selection of an implant optimised to bone density distribution. At the same time, the point at which loading occurs can already be defined at the planning stage, thanks to the predictable primary stability. A standard integration of DVT osteodensitometry in the algorithms of implant planning software thus seems desirable.