Evaluation of Dental Cement Remnants using Imaging-Based Validation: An in Vitro Study

Excess cement remnants present during dental implant-supported restoration are the major source of peri-implant disease. Detection and removal of excess cement remnants during dental implantation procedures play an important role in the prevention of peri-implantitis. This study aims to compare the quadrant and hexagonal imaging approaches for detecting excess cement remnants in the implant-abutment connection and gingival region. Glass ionomer cement has been considered as a luting agent in this study for implant restoration. The computerized planimetric method has been used to detect excess cement remnants in the captured images. Excess cement remnants are indicated in pixels using the histogram option in Adobe Photoshop. Within the limits of this study, the findings emphasized the relevance of considering the hexagonal method for the detection of more excess cement remnants. Compared with the quadrant method, 17.5% of excess cement remnants were detected using the hexagonal method. On comparing the surfaces, excess cement remnants were found on the distal and mesial sides of the implant model since they act as an interproximal region between the neighboring teeth.