I was at a dental meeting recently at USC Dental School with about 200 dentists that place dental implants. The topic of x-rays during implant surgery came up…and I could not believe what I heard.
Some background information:
When placing an implant into the jawbone, it is necessary to take x-rays in between steps. This allows me to guide the implant into an ideal location, which is extremely important. Furthermore, taking x-rays during dental implant surgery allows me to see how deep I am. The vital nerves, arteries, sinuses and bone depressions are at the deepest part of bone, so taking multiple x-rays adds safety and predictability to the procedure. It does add time to the procedure, but does not increase your cost.
Here is an example of the process that I do for my patients to ensure good outcomes (follow the series of x-rays until the center implant is placed):
The postion of the implant is checked and re-checked…perfect!
What I could not believe was the majority of the other dentists in attendance do not take x-rays along the way!!!!!!!!
The top two reasons were: