Coronal
Start at the top: the interface the abutment seats into, and the shape of the shoulder where the implant meets crestal bone.
Abutment interface
External
External connections, radiographically, appear as a protrusion at the shoulder of the implant. You might also notice that the internal threads begin more coronally.
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Internal
The internal connection is flat at the shoulder of the implant. You will see a thin wall surrounding the coronal portion of the implant. Threads often start more apically.
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Unique
While most implants have an external or internal hex, other systems have created some unique connections. Some examples are the spline and the internal tri-lobe of Nobel Biocare.
Show matching implants →Flange
Calibrate: Wider versus flared is the most common mix-up — both are wider than the body. Look at the transition: abrupt means wider, smooth means flared.
Wider
The flange is wider than the implant body. There is an abrupt transition from the body to the flange.
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Flared
The flange is wider than the implant body, but there is a smooth transition from the implant body to the flange.
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Straight
The flange is the same width as the implant body, with a straight transition between the two.
Show matching implants →Coronal traits
Collar
This is where the implant shoulder angles inward toward the abutment interface.
Show matching implants →Microthreads
Fine, shallow threads on the coronal few millimeters of the implant, distinct from the coarser threads along the body. They read as a finely serrated edge at the crest.
Show matching implants →Mid-body
Work down the shaft: whether the body tapers, whether it is threaded, and what profile those threads take.
Implant taper
Tapered
The implant body is wider at the coronal portion and narrower at the apex.
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Non-tapered
The width of the implant is the same at the coronal portion and the apex.
Show matching implants →Implant threads
Threaded
The implant body has threads somewhere along its body, often along the entire length of its body.
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Thread type
Calibrate: V-shaped and reverse buttress threads are both pointed. Compare the two flanks: equal lengths means V-shaped, one longer flank means reverse buttress.
V-shaped
The threads are pointed with both lengths being equal (as opposed to reverse buttress threads).
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Reverse buttress
Threads are also pointed, but one side of the threads is longer than the other side.
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Mid-body traits
Midbody grooves
Grooves can be horizontal or vertical. Vertical grooves on the midbody can be difficult to see radiographically — they appear as vertical radiolucent lines.
Show matching implants →Apical
Finish at the tip: the outline of the apex, plus any holes, chambers, or grooves cut into it.
Apex shape
V-shaped
The apex has two flat sides forming a point, whether it is pointed or blunted.
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Open
An open apex refers to a hole through the underside of the implant. Radiographically, it appears as a more radiolucent band that touches the apex.
Show matching implants →Apical traits
Round hole
Holes appear in various ways radiographically. They can appear as radiolucent circles when the radiograph is taken perpendicular to the circle, or as a radiolucent band if taken parallel to it.
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Oblong hole
Same radiographic characteristics as the round hole, but oblong instead of a circle.
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Apical chamber
Refers to there being space inside the implant — a hollow space, seen radiographically as radiolucent areas. These chambers are connected to holes.
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Apical grooves
These appear as radiolucencies at the apex. The implant may have two to four or more grooves — the number of grooves is not apparent radiographically.
Show matching implants →Now read your own radiograph.
Select the traits you can see with confidence and leave the rest blank — every trait you add narrows the catalog. If the film still will not give up its answer, send the case to an expert.