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Changes in the fractal dimension on pre- and post-implant panoramic radiographs

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Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the fractal dimension before and after implant placement. The study also examined the possibility of using fractal analysis as a prognostic indicator for implant success.

Methods

Pre- and post-implant panoramic radiographs of 33 patients who underwent implant treatment were archived. Square regions of interest were cropped, and a fractal analysis was performed using the box-counting method of ImageJ 1.42 software.

Results

The Wilcoxon test revealed a significant difference between the pre- and post-implant values. This difference could indicate an increased bony microstructure around the implant, thereby aiding the prediction of implant success.

Conclusions

The increase in the fractal analysis values suggests increased bony microstructure in the peri-implant sites after implant placement. Consensus on the technique of evaluating fractal analysis and further experimental studies could render fractal analysis a prognostic indicator for implant success.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the following for their contributions to this study and manuscript: Dr. Kiran Kelkar, private implantologist; Dr. Neha Patil, resident, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Nair Hospital Dental College; and, Dr. Abhiram Kasbe, Associate Professor, Preventive and Social Medicine, BYL Nair Hospital and TN Medical College.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oral Medicine and Radiology, Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai, India

    Kaustubh Sansare, Dharamveer Singh & Freny Karjodkar

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  1. Kaustubh Sansare
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Correspondence to Kaustubh Sansare.

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Sansare, K., Singh, D. & Karjodkar, F. Changes in the fractal dimension on pre- and post-implant panoramic radiographs. Oral Radiol 28, 15–23 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11282-011-0075-8

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