Implant Placement under Existing Removable Dental Prostheses and the Effect on Follow-Up and Prosthetic Maintenance.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to compare the maintenance interventions required for solely implant-retained overdentures (I-OD) with that of overdentures retained by a combination of telescopic crowns and implants (T/I-OD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants in this study were 22 patients who initially presented either with a removable complete denture (n = 11) or with an overdenture retained by 1 to 2 telescopic crowns on natural teeth (n = 11). Subsequently, the total number of abutments was increased to 5 to 6 (maxilla) or 4 to 5 (mandible) by placing implants in strategically advantageous regions, generating two distinct groups: I-OD and T/I-OD. Ball attachments were connected to the implants and integrated into the existing denture. The maintenance aspects were analyzed according to the type of treatment (preventive, biological, and technical) and to the severity of treatment (minimal, moderate, and extensive). RESULTS: During a mean observation time of 6.5 years, the tooth survival rate was 89% (T/I-OD) and the implant survival rate 100% (both groups). The survival rates of the overdentures ranged from 90.9% (I-OD) to 100% (T/I-OD). A mean number of 0.6 (I-ODs) and 2.0 (T/I-OD) treatments were performed for biological reasons; and 8.2 (I-ODs) and 9.6 (T/I-OD) for technical reasons, per patient, during the observation time. From biological aspects, significantly more extensive maintenance was found to be necessary in the T/I-OD group than in the I-OD group. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic concept of implant placement under existing prostheses was promising when performed in indicated cases.

Assessment of cortical bone thickness using ultrasound.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to analyze the accuracy of measuring the cortical bone thickness using a combination of low- and high-frequency ultrasound (US) compared with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and using stereomicroscopy as reference method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten jawbone models were prepared using bovine ribs and porcine gingiva. A dental implant was placed in each model. All models were investigated by US, CBCT, and stereomicroscopy. The cortical bone thickness was measured directly above and 4 mm beside the implant with each method in different slices. RESULTS: The median deviation of US measurements compared to the reference method was 0.23 mm. The CBCT method was slightly more accurate (median percent deviation of 9.2%) than the US method (10.3%). However, US measurements directly above the implant were more accurate than CBCT measurements with a median percent deviation of 10.5% for US vs. 11.8% for CBCT. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound showed a high potential to supplement CBCT for measurements of the cortical bone thickness.

Influence of Abutment Surface Treatments on Screw Loosening of Morse Taper Implants.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of blasting and bonding on abutment surface to prevent screw loosening in Morse taper connections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight Morse taper connection implants were divided into 4 groups: no treatment (G1), blasting (G2), bonding (G3), and blasting + bonding (G4). In groups G2 and G4, the abutments were blasted with aluminum oxide granules; in groups G3 and G4, the conical abutment region was covered with a thin layer of bond thread lock agent. In all implants, the abutment-implant joint was tightened at a torque of 35 Ncm. The specimens were submitted to the mechanical cycling, under an oblique load for 1.0 × 10 cycles. The torque was measured with a digital torque meter. Data were analyzed by the t test, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey tests (95%). RESULTS: The loosening strength was significantly higher in group G4 (35.83 ± 3.02 Ncm). There was no significant difference among groups G1 (25.86 ± 1.96 Ncm), G2 (25.86 ± 3.29 Ncm), and G3 (26.14 ± 2.12 Ncm). CONCLUSION: The association of blasting and bonding on abutment surface can be used to prevent screw loosening in Morse taper implants.

Analysis of tooth preparations for zirconia-based crowns and fixed dental prostheses using stereolithography data sets.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Under clinical circumstances, it can be challenging for a dentist to achieve an adequate tooth preparation, which is essential for the long-term success of fixed dental restorations. This is particularly true for zirconia restorations fabricated by computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) because of the difficulties involved in the scanning and milling process. PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to use a digital approach to evaluate dental tooth preparations for zirconia-based crowns and fixed dental prostheses (FDP) performed by general dental practitioners in Germany and to find out whether the type of prepared tooth or the type of restoration influenced the outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Stereolithography data sets of 182 zirconia frameworks with a total of 305 abutment teeth obtained by the CAD-CAM process were analyzed regarding total occlusal convergence, abutment height, and finish line design using a 3-dimensional (3D) inspection and mesh processing software. The criteria for adequate preparations were defined based on current literature and compared with the measurement results. The Kruskal-Wallis 1-way analysis of variance and the Mann-Whitney U test were applied to detect significant differences (α=.05). RESULTS: Only 13 teeth (4.3%) met the clinical requirements for adequate zirconia-based tooth preparations. The mean total occlusal convergence was 17.9 ±9.7 degrees. Molars (23.2 ±10.1 degrees) showed statistically significant difference (P<.001) when compared with premolars (14.2 ±8.2 degrees) and anterior teeth (16.4 ±8.1 degrees). No significant difference was observed between the crown and FDP preparations. The mean abutment height was 5.6 ±1.3 mm. Again, significant differences occurred when tooth types (4.8 ±1.0 mm for molars, 5.2 ±0.9 mm for premolars and 6.9 ±1.2 mm for anterior teeth; P≤.01) were compared. In 92.5% of teeth, the finish line design was not ideal for zirconia-based restorations. CONCLUSION: The tooth preparations of general dental practitioners differ from the ideal clinical preparation recommended for zirconia-based restorations. Difficulties are primarily related to the total occlusal convergence and finish line design. Although the outcome is strongly influenced by the type of tooth, the type of restoration seems to have only a minor effect on the tooth preparation quality.

Laser treatment of recurrent herpes labialis: a literature review.

Recurrent herpes labialis is a worldwide life-long oral health problem that remains unsolved. It affects approximately one third of the world population and causes frequent pain and discomfort episodes, as well as social restriction due to its compromise of esthetic features. In addition, the available antiviral drugs have not been successful in completely eliminating the virus and its recurrence. Currently, different kinds of laser treatment and different protocols have been proposed for the management of recurrent herpes labialis. Therefore, the aim of the present article was to review the literature regarding the effects of laser irradiation on recurrent herpes labialis and to identify the indications and most successful clinical protocols. The literature was searched with the aim of identifying the effects on healing time, pain relief, duration of viral shedding, viral inactivation, and interval of recurrence. According to the literature, none of the laser treatment modalities is able to completely eliminate the virus and its recurrence. However, laser phototherapy appears to strongly decrease pain and the interval of recurrences without causing any side effects. Photodynamic therapy can be helpful in reducing viral titer in the vesicle phase, and high-power lasers may be useful to drain vesicles. The main advantages of the laser treatment appear to be the absence of side effects and drug interactions, which are especially helpful for older and immunocompromised patients. Although these results indicate a potential beneficial use for lasers in the management of recurrent herpes labialis, they are based on limited published clinical trials and case reports. The literature still lacks double-blind controlled clinical trials verifying these effects and such trials should be the focus of future research.

Accuracy of a self-perforating impression tray for dental implants.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Difficulties are involved in impression making with conventional open impression trays. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of transferring implant impressions with a self-perforating impression tray. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A reference model of a mandible was fabricated, and 4 implants were placed in the regions of the first premolars and lateral incisors (implants 1, 2, 3, 4). Ten impressions of the reference model with polyvinyl siloxane were made for each group; control (conventional open impression tray) and test (self-perforating impression tray; Miratray Implant). A metal bar was screw-retained on implant 1, and the gaps generated at the vestibular face of implants 3 and 4 were measured by optical microcopy. The 2-way ANOVA and least square difference post hoc test were used (α=.05). RESULTS: Higher mean (±SD) values were obtained for the test group than for the control group for both implants: implant 3: 150 ±84 µm for the test group, 73 ±63 µm for the control group (P=.019); implant 4: 129 ±65 µm for the test group, 62 ±61 µm for the control group (P=.04). CONCLUSION: The self-perforating impression tray provided less accuracy than the conventional open tray.

Assessment of the stress transmitted to dental implants connected to screw-retained bars using different casting techniques.

Passive fit of the prosthetic superstructure is important to avoid complications; however, evaluation of passive fit is not possible using conventional procedures. Thus, the aim of this study was to check and locate mechanical stress in bar restorations fabricated using two casting techniques. Fifteen patients received four implants in the interforaminal region of the mandible, and a bar was fabricated using either the cast-on abutment or lost-wax casting technique. The fit accuracy was checked according to the Sheffield's test criteria. Measurements were recorded on the master model with a gap-free, passive fit using foil strain gauges both before and after tightening the prosthetic screws. Data acquisition and processing was analyzed with computer software and submitted to statistical analysis (ANOVA). The greatest axial distortion was at position 42 with the cast-on abutment technique, with a mean distortion of 450 µm/m. The lowest axial distortion occurred at position 44 with the lost-wax casting technique, with a mean distortion of 100 µm/m. The minimal differences between the means of axial distortion do not indicate any significant differences between the techniques (P = 0.2076). Analysis of the sensor axial distortion in relation to the implant position produced a significant difference (P < 0.0001). Significantly higher measurements were recorded in the axial distortion analysis of the distal sensors of implants at the 34 and 44 regions than on the mesial positions at the 32 and 42 regions (P = 0.0481). The measuring technique recorded axial distortion in the implant-supported superstructures. Distortions were present at both casting techniques, with no significant difference between the sides.

Soft tissue-preserving computer-aided impression: a novel concept using ultrasonic 3D-scanning.

Subgingival preparations are often affected by blood and saliva during impression taking, regardless of whether one is using compound impression techniques or intraoral digital scanning methods. The latter are currently based on optical principles and therefore also need clean and dry surfaces. In contrast, ultrasonic waves are able to non-invasively penetrate gingiva, saliva, and blood, leading to decisive advantages, as cleaning and drying of the oral cavity becomes unnecessary. In addition, the application of ultrasound may facilitate the detection of subgingival structures without invasive manipulation, thereby reducing the risk of secondary infection and treatment time, and increasing patient comfort. Ultrasound devices commonly available for medical application and for the testing of materials are only suitable to a limited extent, as their resolution, precision, and design do not fulfill the requirements for intraoral scanning. The aim of this article is to describe the development of a novel ultrasound technology that enables soft tissue-preserving digital impressions of preparations for the CAD/CAM-based production of dental prostheses. The concept and development of the high-resolution ultrasound technique and the corresponding intraoral scanning system, as well as the integration into the CAD/CAM process chain, is presented.

Decontamination of dental implant surfaces by means of photodynamic therapy.

Several implant surface debridement methods have been reported for the treatment of peri-implantitis, however, some of them can damage the implant surface or promote bacterial resistance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new treatment option for peri-implantitis. The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze implant surface decontamination by means of PDT. Sixty implants were equally distributed (n = 10) into four groups and two subgroups. In group G1 there was no decontamination, while in G2 decontamination was performed with chlorhexidine. G3 (PDT - laser + dye) and G4 (laser, without dye) were divided into two subgroups each; with PDT performed for 3 min in G3a and G4a, and for 5 min in G3b and G4b. After 5 min in contact with methylene blue dye (G3), the implants were irradiated (G3 and G4) with a low-level laser (GaAlAs, 660 nm, 30 mW) for 3 or 5 min (7.2 and 12 J). After the dilutions, culture media were kept in an anaerobic atmosphere for 1 week, and then colony forming units were counted. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between G1 and the other groups, and between G4 in comparison with G2 and G3. Better decontamination was obtained in G2 and G3, with no statistically significant difference between them. The results of this study suggest that photodynamic therapy can be considered an efficient method for reducing bacteria on implant surfaces, whereas laser irradiation without dye was less efficient than PDT.

Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser with a side-firing tip on decontamination of titanium disc surface: an in vitro and in vivo study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser with side-firing tip in decontamination of titanium (Ti) disc. METHODS: In the first test series, 29 Ti-discs were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and treated as follows: positive control (no treatment); Perioflow; Laser A (0.75 W, 100 Hz), Laser B (1.5 W, 30 Hz); Laser C (no radiation, 60% water); and Laser D (no radiation, 50% water). For bacterial quantification, colony forming units (CFU, vital cells only) and quantitative PCR (qPCR, vital and devital cells) were performed. In a second test series, 92 Ti-discs were used, contaminated with in vivo-grown biofilm and treated as follows: positive control (no treatment); Perioflow; Laser E (1.5 W, 30 Hz), and Laser F (no radiation, 50% water). Considering the different and unknown culture conditions, quantification of bacteria was performed by broad-spectrum bacterial qPCR only. Based on the assumption that all cells of an organism contain an equivalent complement of genetic information, genome equivalent (GE) determination ensured the detection of the different intact and semi-intact genomes, regardless of type of bacterial species and vitality, circumvent the inherent bias of cultures. RESULTS: The GE values were significantly reduced by all interventions in both test series, compared to the positive control group (p < 0.001). In the first test series with S. aureus as model organism, Perioflow yielded a lower GE than the Laser groups A-D (all p < 0.025). The number of CFUs was significantly reduced in the intervention groups compared to the positive control (p < 0.001), except for Laser A (p = 0.157) and Laser D (p = 0.393). In the second test series, none of the pairwise comparisons of the intervention conditions showed a significant difference (Perioflow vs. Laser E: p = 0.732; Perioflow vs. Laser F: p = 0.590; Laser E vs. Laser F: p = 0.379). CONCLUSION: The Er,Cr:YSGG laser with side-firing tip and Perioflow were equally capable of effectively decontaminating a Ti-disc surface. It is assumed that the bacterial reduction was largely due to the mechanical effect of the air and water stream.

Measurement of buccal bone volume of dental implants by means of cone-beam computed tomography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for measuring the buccal bone volume around dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three to six implants were inserted into the anterior maxilla of eight skulls, depending on the availability of bone, and after this, the CBCT was performed. By means of CBCT image, measurements of the bone wall at three points of the implant were obtained, analyzed and compared with those obtained in the plaster skull casting. RESULTS: The results showed that for the three points of the implants, no statistically significant difference in the measurements was obtained from the plaster model and CBCT images. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT can be a useful tool for assessing buccal bone volume along the implant.

Stability of dental implants after irradiation with an 830-nm low-level laser: a double-blind randomized clinical study.

Little is known about the benefits of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on improvement of stability of dental implants. The aim of this randomized clinical study was to assess the LLLT effect on implants stability by means of resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Thirty implants were distributed bilaterally in the posterior mandible of eight patients. At the experimental side, the implants were submitted to LLLT (830 nm, 86 mW, 92.1 J/cm(2), 0.25 J, 3 s/point, at 20 points), and on the control side, the irradiation was simulated (placebo). The first irradiation was performed in the immediate postoperative period, and it was repeated every 48 h in the first 14 days. The initial implant stability quotient (ISQ) of the implants was measured by means of RFA. New ISQ measurements were made after 10 days, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks. The initial ISQ values ranged from 65-84, with a mean of 76, undergoing a significant drop in stability from the 10th day to the 6th week in the irradiated group, and presenting a gradual increase from the 6th to the 12th week. The highest ISQ values were observed on the 10th day in the irradiated group, and the lowest in the 6th week in both groups. Under the conditions of this study, no evidence was found of any effect of LLLT on the stability of the implants when measured by RFA. Since high primary stability and good bone quality are of major relevancy for a rigid bone-implant interface, additional LLLT may have little impact macroscopically.

Accuracy of four transfer impression techniques for dental implants: a scanning electron microscopic analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the accuracy of four impression techniques for osseointegrated implants (with or without acrylic resin splinting and with irreversible hydrocolloid or polyvinyl siloxane [PVS] impression material). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A metal master model was made with three implant analogs and two prosthetic spaces. This model was used as the standard for all impressions. Two impression materials were used (irreversible hydrocolloid and PVS) and two transfer techniques were used (squared impression copings indexed by the impression material and squared impression copings splinted with acrylic resin). Four groups were therefore analyzed (n = 5): IH = irreversible hydrocolloid only, IHS = irreversible hydrocolloid + splint, P = PVS only, and PS = PVS + splint. A reference framework made with palladium-silver alloy over the UCLA abutment was created on the master model. The fit of this structure to the master model was used as a reference. SEM images of the front and side gaps between the abutments and the implant analogs were created and then measured using image analysis software. RESULTS: IH presented the largest misfit. The splinted impression copings generated a smaller marginal gap than the indexed material technique, irrespective of the impression material used. There was no significant difference between IHS, P, PS, and the reference (multivariate test, Wilks criteria). However, PS presented a standard deviation that was three times lower than those of the other groups, and its mean was closer to the reference. CONCLUSIONS: The IH impression technique was the least accurate technique. There was no difference between IHS, P, and PS techniques with regard to the reference constant. The impression techniques that used splinted impression copings generated more accurate casts, irrespective of the impression material.

Influence of etching with erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser on microleakage of class V restoration.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate some parameters of dental etching when irradiated with an erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser. One-hundred sound human third molars were selected and randomly distributed into ten groups (n = 10). The class V cavities of group 1 (control) were prepared with a bur and etched with 37% phosphoric acid, while groups G2 to G10, were prepared with laser (5 W, 88.46 J/cm(2), 90/70% air/water) and etched with the following powers: G3 and G4, 0.25 W; G5 and G6, 0.5 W; G7 and G8, 0.75 W; G9 and G10, 1 W. Group G2 received no laser etching. Prior to restoration, G2, G4, G6, G8 and G10 received acid etching. After restoration, all samples were submitted to a microleakage test. According to statistical analysis (Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests), G10 presented the lowest microleakage values (P<0.05). The other groups showed no differences between them. Etching with Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1 W) followed by phosphoric acid was effective in reducing the microleakage of class V restorations.

Calcitonin, sodium alendronate and high intensity laser in the treatment of traumatized teeth: a preliminary study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser compared with traditional treatment on dentin permeability to calcitonin and sodium alendronate. Forty bovine roots were sectioned and divided into eight groups. Groups 1 and 2 (G1/G2) were immersed in saline solution; G1T/G2T were immersed in ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid plus sodium lauryl ether sulfate (EDTA-T) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); G1I/G2I were irradiated with Er:YAG laser (2.94 microm, 6 Hz, 40.4 J/cm(2)); G1TI/G2TI were immersed in EDTA-T, NaOCl and subjected to Er:YAG irradiation. After 4 h the radioactivity of the saline solution was measured. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (P < 0.05) when the groups treated with EDTA-T and NaOCl followed by Er:YAG laser irradiation were compared with the groups treated with EDTA-T only and with the groups that received no treatment. Er:YAG laser associated with traditional procedures significantly increased the diffusion of calcitonin and sodium alendronate through dentin. All groups showed calcitonin and sodium alendronate diffusion.

Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis: preliminary results.

This study sought to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients who had been diagnosed with recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) after treatment with photodynamic therapy (PDT) associated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT). PDT has shown great effectiveness for treating already-established RHL vesicles, compared to ordinary treatments involving antiviral compounds. Two patients with vesicles on their lips were treated with PDT, followed by irradiation with LLLT. Both patients reported pain relief immediately after the procedure; at a six-month follow-up, neither patient showed signs or symptoms that related to RHL.

High-Frequency Ultrasound for Assessment of Peri-Implant Bone Thickness.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) for measurement of bone thickness surrounding dental implants. METHODS: Eight porcine bone samples containing dental implants were scanned by a HFUS scanner and compared using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and an optical scanner. Bone thickness was measured in the buccolingual region of dental implants in 10 points distributed between the platform and apical portion of the implant. RESULTS: The mean measurement error for the ultrasound method was 0.11 mm, whereas CBCT showed a measurement error of 0.20 mm. For both devices, the maximal measurement error was 0.28 mm. CONCLUSION: Within the simulated limited conditions of this study, high-frequency ultrasound, with optical scanning used as a reference, presented higher accuracy in comparison to CBCT, and seems to be a promising tool for measuring peri-implant bone.

Assessment of Buccal Bone Surrounding Dental Implants Using a High-Frequency Ultrasound Scanner.

The purpose of this study was to determine the buccal bone dimensions surrounding dental implants using a high-frequency ultrasound (US) scanner and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Dental implants (n = 10) inserted in the maxilla of dry skulls were scanned using US (28 MHz, bandwidth 84%, aperture 6 mm, focal depth 13.2 mm) and CBCT (70 kV, 6.3 mA, voxel size 0.18 mm). The bone level and buccal bone thickness were determined on the buccal-lingual diameter of the implant. As a control group, the evaluated site was represented by a stone block containing the dental implant, and measurements were performed using an optical microscope. Statistical analysis was performed using a mixed linear regression model at a significance level of p < 0.05. There was no statistical difference among groups for the two measurements. For ultrasound, the mean discrepancy was 0.38 mm for bone thickness and 0.68 mm for bone level. For CBCT, the mean discrepancy was 0.51 mm for bone thickness and 0.09 mm for bone level. High-frequency ultrasound was able to measure buccal bone dimensions surrounding dental implants.

Impression of Subgingival Dental Preparation Can Be Taken with Ultrasound.

Because of its ability to capture hard structures behind soft tissue, ultrasound-based micro-scanning may be a promising alternative for taking digital impressions of teeth, especially in the case of subgingival margin preparations. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of ultrasound impressions taken of subgingivally prepared teeth compared with digital optical impressions. Ten extracted human teeth (7 pre-molars, 3 molars) were prepared for crowns with chamfer finish line and then digitized using two different intra-oral scanners (Cara Trios, 3 Shape, Heraeus Kulzer, Hanau, Germany; and Lava COS; 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) and one extra-oral scanner (Cares CS2, Straumann, Basel, Switzerland). Afterward, the preparation margin was covered with porcine gingiva (thickness ranged between 0.3 and 0.9 mm), and every sample was scanned with a high-frequency ultrasound scanner under experimental subgingival conditions. Optical scanning processes were performed without gingiva. The data sets were superimposed on each other for pairwise comparisons, and deviations between different scans were determined using a 3-D evaluation software (CloudCompare). Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc tests (Dunn-Bonferroni) were applied to detect significant differences at p ≤ 0.05. The ultrasound scanner was able to detect subgingival preparation margins. Mean deviations for all comparisons ranged from 12.34 to 46.38 µm. There were no statistically significant differences between superimpositions of intra-oral and extra-oral scans (Trios-Lava, Lava-CS2, Trios-CS2), whereas in comparisons between intra-/extra-oral scans and ultrasound scans, mean deviations were statistically significantly higher. There were no significant differences with respect to type of tooth (pre-molar and molar). However, gingiva thickness was significantly correlated with the quality of the ultrasound scan; thin layers had better image quality than thicker layers. Ultrasound was able to scan tooth preparation margins covered with gingiva, although with less accuracy than achieved by conventional optical scanners (non-covered margins). Gingiva thickness may play an important role in ultrasound scan accuracy.

Accuracy of High-Frequency Ultrasound Scanner in Detecting Peri-implant Bone Defects.

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of high-frequency ultrasound (US) in the measurement of peri-implant bone defects in comparison with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and micro-computed tomography (µCT). Bone defects were mechanically created around dental implants inserted into porcine ribs (n = 10). The bone samples were scanned by CBCT, µCT and US. Linear dimensions of the peri-implant defects were determined for supra-alveolar component, intra-bony component and width. The accuracy of measurements was evaluated with repeated-measures analysis of variance and the intra-class correlation coefficient at p ≤ 0.05. US underestimated the measurements for the supra-alveolar and intra-bony components in comparison to CBCT and µCT, and there were no statistically significant differences in the measurements of width. The intra-class correlation coefficient of US ranged from 0.96 to 0.98, whereas that for CBCT ranged from 0.77 to 0.97. US was accurate in measuring the width of peri-implant defects, although vertical measurements were underestimated by approximately 1 mm in comparison to those of CBCT and µCT.