CBCT for Implant Planning — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateRadiology & ImagingCBCT for Implant PlanningORE Part 1

A 45-year-old patient presents requesting dental implant placement in the posterior mandible. A periapical radiograph suggests the inferior alveolar nerve canal is close to the proposed implant site. What imaging modality should be used to accurately assess the distance between the implant site and the nerve canal?

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Correct answer: A — Cone beam CT (CBCT)

Explanation lettering: E = shown as B · D = shown as C · B = shown as D · C = shown as E

The correct answer is A: Cone beam CT (CBCT). When periapical radiography raises concern about proximity of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) canal to an implant site, accurate 3D assessment is essential to measure bone dimensions and nerve location. CBCT provides volumetric data with sufficient resolution to visualize the mandibular canal, measure linear distances, evaluate alveolar ridge topography in all planes, and plan implant position relative to vital anatomical structures. Periapical radiographs at multiple angles (B) remain 2D and cannot provide depth information. Panoramic radiography (C) offers limited regional resolution and cannot reliably measure localized nerve proximity. Lateral cephalometric radiographs (D) are designed for full-skull skeletal assessment and are not site-specific to the posterior mandible. Occlusal radiographs (E) have a limited field of view unsuitable for implant planning. CBCT is now standard of care for presurgical implant diagnosis when anatomical proximity or complex anatomy is present, endorsed by international consensus and consistent with UK specialty training standards.

Reference: Use of cone beam computed tomography in implant dentistry: the International Congress of Oral Implologists consensus report. International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants 2012; 27: 303–307. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22382748/