BACKGROUND: Strict criteria have been stipulated to evaluate success and failure of dental implants. Periapical radiographs are considered an important means of evaluation. However, there is a lack of standardized and reproducible readily available methods to carry this out. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to describe the manufacturing and clinical use of a simple device that enables the clinician to take parallel and reproducible periapical radiographs of dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Commercially available implant prosthetic components and film holder for periapical radiographs were modified and used clinically. RESULTS: Clinically, the device works effectively and does not require significantly more time. CONCLUSIONS: The described device is a simple appliance with an uncomplicated method to overcome problems with taking parallel and reproducible radiographs of dental implants, which is especially important when measuring marginal bone height.
BACKGROUND: Strict criteria have been stipulated to evaluate success and failure of dental implants. Periapical radiographs are considered an important means of evaluation. However, there is a lack of standardized and reproducible readily available methods to carry this out. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to describe the manufacturing and clinical use of a simple device that enables the clinician to take parallel and reproducible periapical radiographs of dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Commercially available implant prosthetic components and film holder for periapical radiographs were modified and used clinically. RESULTS: Clinically, the device works effectively and does not require significantly more time. CONCLUSIONS: The described device is a simple appliance with an uncomplicated method to overcome problems with taking parallel and reproducible radiographs of dental implants, which is especially important when measuring marginal bone height.