Implant assessment
Assess disease control, bone, anatomy, restorative space, health risks and maintenance capacity before placement.
Understand
Implant planning starts from the desired restoration and available bone and soft tissue. Integration depends on biology, surgery, design and maintenance.
Assess
Assess periodontal stability, smoking, diabetes, anatomical constraints, restorative space, hygiene ability and expectations. Use justified imaging for the specific planning question.
Apply
Explain surgery, healing, prosthetic stages, alternatives and ongoing costs. Position for a functional, cleansable restoration; a fixture in available bone is not enough.
Key distinctions
Implant placement has anatomical constraints around nerves, sinus and neighbouring roots, while the final crown needs emergence, space and hygiene access. Periodontal disease should be stabilised and smoking or diabetes risk discussed. “Osseointegrated” does not mean complication-free: restorative screw issues, peri-implant inflammation and aesthetic dissatisfaction remain possible over time.
Think through a case
An implant is placed where bone is plentiful but the crown emerges too far buccally to clean or look natural. Restorative planning should have led the surgical position.
The distinction to remember
Do not describe an implant as a tooth-for-life; biological, mechanical and maintenance risks remain.
Test your recall
Why plan the final restoration before surgery?
Show answer
The implant position should support a functional, cleansable prosthesis.