The Applications and Limitations of Conventional Radiographic Imaging Techniques

Currently, periapical and panoramic radiography are the most common initial dental radiographic examinations in implant dentistry. In general, the appro-priate image for screening of maxillary sinus morphology and residual bone height is a panoramic radiograph. Periapical radiographs are commonly used to provide complementary information such as residual bone height and any adjacent pathoses. These two imaging modalities are not only able to provide mesio-distal (horizontal) and crestal-apical (vertical) measurements for implant size selection but also useful information on bone structure and density.