Linear tomography in conjunction with pantomography in the assessment of dental implant recipient sites.

Tomography provides a three-dimensional unobstructed and anatomically accurate picture of the region being viewed. Tomography is a radiographic technique in which a "slice" or section of a given internal body structure is imaged in a pre-determined plane. The advantage of utilizing a tomographic evaluation along with a pantomographic survey is that the clinician may examine the exact position or depth in all three planes of visualization. This radiographic modality can also reveal the quality and quantity of alveolar bone in a pre-determined implant site. This information would allow the clinician better to diagnose, plan treatment, and place dental implants more precisely. Therefore, the utilization of laminar or computerized tomography along with pantomography for more precise visualization and accurate measurement of available alveolar bone of the buccal-lingual and labial-palatal perspective will be discussed and illustrated.