Clinical

CBCT for implant planning

CBCT changed implant dentistry by giving accurate 3D bone volumes, nerve canal positions and sinus anatomy from a single low-dose scan. Here's what to look at and how.

What to measure on every site

Bone height: from crest to nearest vital structure (IAN, sinus floor, nasal floor). Aim for at least 1 mm safety margin to the IAN. Buccolingual width: measured perpendicular to the ridge axis in oblique view. Implants need ~1.5–2 mm of bone buccal and lingual to the body.

Ridge inclination: angled or knife-edge ridges may need bone augmentation or angled abutments. Bone density: HU values are not calibrated in CBCT but relative density (D1–D4 scale) helps anticipate primary stability.

Prosthetic-driven planning

Modern protocols start with the planned crown position, not the available bone. The implant axis is then derived to support the prosthesis. This avoids placing implants where bone is easy but the resulting crown is non-functional.

Combining the CBCT volume with a digital wax-up or intraoral scan via software like coDiagnostiX, NemoStudio or in-built guides on viewers makes the plan exportable to a surgical guide.

FAQ

Do I always need CBCT for an implant?

In most guidelines, yes — at least for posterior mandibular and maxillary sites where IAN or sinus proximity matters. Anterior single implants in confirmed adequate ridges may be exceptions.

Can I plan from the CBCT in a browser?

You can measure, mark the IAN and assess bone in the browser. Full guide design usually still requires desktop CAD/CAM.

How small a FOV is enough for one implant?

About 5×5 cm centered on the site, including 1 cm of neighbor and the inferior alveolar canal where applicable.

Plan implants in any browser

Open the CBCT, measure to the IAN, mark sinus floors and screenshot for the surgical chart — no software install.

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