Tomographic Planning of Dental Implants Using a Smartphone: Linear Measurements and Implant Selection- A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the accuracy of linear measurements and dental implant selection performed in a smartphone application compared to a computer software. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four DICOM files from the posterior mandible in partially edentulous patients were evaluated by three trained and calibrated examiners. Images were analyzed using three visualization methods: cross-sectional view (CScr) and coronal (CSco) plane using the CS 3D Imaging software, and coronal (DRco) plane using the DroidRender smartphone application. For standardization, bone width and height measurements were taken in the edentulous posterior mandible, 10 mm posterior to the mental foramen. Implants were selected according to the 2022/2023Straumann Standard implant catalog. Linear measurements were compared using repeated-measures ANOVA, and implant selection was compared using Friedman test. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Linear measurements showed a statistically significant difference for bone width (P = .030), but not for height (P = .685). The choice of implant was not influenced by the visualization method (P = .614). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to suggest the use of smartphone applications as an additional diagnostic tool for DICOM evaluation and implant planning in the posterior mandible. Smartphone applications allow an assessment not limited to 2D images or to static environments. Therefore, information exchange and diagnostic opinion in emergency situations may be facilitated.