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Indication-based diagnostics and planning of rehabilitation with dental implants

« Course Overview

Prerequisite for treatment with dental implants is a thorough risk assessment. This includes evaluation of bone, soft tissue, and prosthetic parameters, and should also consider the patient's expectations. Clinical examination is followed by diagnostic radiologic imaging to visualize the anatomic requirements. The treating implantologist has a responsibility to achieve clinically predictable and reproducible results. This course module provides a detailed description of the principles of diagnostic radiology in dental implantology. Documentation, visualization, analysis, and individual planning based on digital techniques are presented.


Course content

2.1 Risk factors and principles guiding individual planning

2.1 Risk factors and principles guiding individual planning

Prerequisite for treatment with dental implants is a thorough risk assessment. This includes evaluation of bone, soft tissue, and prosthetic parameters, and should also consider the patient's expectations. Clinical examination is followed by diagnostic radiologic imaging to visualize the anatomic requirements. The SAC classification, which categorizes the complexity of the individual case as straightforward, advanced, or complex, is suitable for detailed risk evaluation. For implantation in the esthetic region, the Esthetic Risk Assessment is also recommended. The treating implantologist has a responsibility to achieve clinically predictable and reproducible results. This requires adequate diagnostic procedures and risk assessment, on the basis of which an evidence-based treatment concept can be established. Furthermore, the patient must be appropriately informed about the planned treatment—including its complexity and the associated risks—in order to arrive at a joint consensus.

2.2 Diagnostic procedures and indication-specific planning based on the SAC classification

2.2 Diagnostic procedures and indication-specific planning based on the SAC classification

Imaging techniques in dental implantology should enable evaluation of alveolar ridge resorption and vertical bone fractures as well as presentation of interradicular defects and furcation involvement. In addition to precise knowledge of the anatomic situation, optimal use of the available bone is of central importance. A common feature of all two-dimensional techniques lies in the reduction of diagnostic information due to intrinsic anatomic overlay and image distortion. High-resolution three-dimensional methods facilitate treatment planning and improve the prediction of treatment outcome. This course module provides a detailed description of the principles of diagnostic radiology in dental implantology. Documentation, visualization, analysis, and individual planning based on digital techniques are presented. Based on four case examples, the reader will learn about indication-based risk analysis and individual case planning using the SAC classification in both analog and digital workflows.