Influence of CBCT-derived panoramic curve variability in the measurements for dental implant planning

Objective To investigate whether the curve markings performed prior to panoramic and cross-sectional reconstructions can influence the planning of oral implants. Methods Twenty oral radiologists landmarked the reference panoramic curves in 25 CBCT scans of the mandible. Bone height was measured on the resulting cross-sectional slices in the edentulous region of the lower first molar. The following data were recorded: (1) number of landmarks used to build each reference curve; (2) shape of the reference curve (inverted "U", inverted "V" or "horseshoe"); and (3) measurement in the first molar region. The data were assessed for variability based on the number of landmarks, the shape of the reference curve, and the measurements obtained. Results The number of landmarks used to guide the panoramic reconstruction varied among radiologists ( p < 0.05), but most of them draw curves in inverted "U" shape (68–100%). The reproducibility of the measurements taken in the edentulous mandibular first molar region was excellent (84.7%). The number of landmarks and the shape of the curve did not have a significant influence on the reproducibility of the measurements ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Variations of the operator-dependent steps during the panoramic reconstructions occur but do not play a significant part changing the measurements taken for oral implant planning.