Radiographic Prescription Practices Among Implant Practitioners In India: A Cross-sectional Survey

Aim: To identify the contemporary radiographic prescription practices among the dental implant practitioners in India. Materials and method: Two clinicians interviewed four hundred dentists using a 13-question questionnaire for commonly prescribed imaging modality options for implant treatment planning and assessment. The parameters included commonly available imaging techniques, exposure of radiation to the patient, coverage area of teeth and surrounding facial bones, ease of availability and the cost effectiveness. The interview was conducted by two operators to eliminate subject bias. CbctThe data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS version 22, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Results: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was found to be the most prescribed imaging modality prescribed by 44.2% of the dentists followed by orthopantograph (OPG) (17.9%). A combination of imaging modalities was preferred by 21.9% of dentists. The intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPA) were prescribed by 12.3% while conventional tomography was prescribed by 2.5% of the dentists. Precision of the imaging modality (51.2) reduced exposure to radiation (19.8) and ease of availability (13%) were the reasons for selection of radiograph prescription. Conclusion: According to the study, cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) appeared as the most prescribed imaging modality followed by OPG. Precise measurements were cited as the main reason for selecting a radiographic technique followed by the less exposure of the patient to radiation and easy availability of the modality.