Introduction to dental implantology

The patient's desire for functionally and esthetically intact dentition can nowadays be met by choosing from a great variety of safe and promising implant systems. Good knowledge of inner and outer anatomic structures of the jaw and neighboring regions provides the surgeon with the required safety for successful implantation. Important factors for long-term success are osseointegration, implant bed preparation, implant stability, implant shape, and the correct timing of implantation, as well as implant restoration and loading. The following module explains these important terms in detail. Indications, pros and cons of different options, and possible alternatives are discussed. This fundamental knowledge enables the reader to approach implantology with confidence.

The patient's preference for implant-borne prosthetic restoration is at the center of the patient–implantologist relationship. In a participative decision-making process, the treatment goal is defined, and individual diagnostic and planning procedures are determined accordingly. The overall esthetic and functional future of the orofacial system is always the primary focus. Whereas medical history taking addresses the patient's general medical limitations/diseases, the diagnostic procedures assess the individual anatomic situation for the planned measures. Key diagnostic questions are "What has been lost and what should be replaced?" and "How many implants are required to support a fixed dental prosthesis and in which positions?" Although a dental implant replaces the function of the root of a natural tooth, its position cannot be corrected by orthodontic treatment post-implantation. It is therefore essential to define and implement the optimal implant position.