Use of multiplanar computed tomography to aid in endosseous implant placement through hydroxylapatite overlay grafts.

Since the mid-1980's, mandibular ridge augmentation has been carried out with nonresorbable hydroxylapatite, with various results. This article describes the use of multiplanar reformated computed tomography to aid in the placement of endosseous fixtures through such augmentation. Displaced or migrated hydroxylapatite can obscure normal panographic and periapical radiographic landmarks. With the aid of computed tomography, landmarks can be identified, measured, and related to pre-treatment models, facilitating pre-surgical planning and surgical placement of endosseous fixtures.