While the complexity of the Dental Implant Treatment planning is case dependent, there are two basic fundamentals that apply to every case: First implants must be surrounded by a sufficient amount of gum tissue and jaw bone, and second implants must be positioned properly to facilitate the final restoration.
It’s not enough for an implant that has been placed to simply allow for a crown restoration. In a properly planned case the implant should be placed in proper 3D position in relation to adjacent teeth, gum tissue and bone so that it allows for the desired crown restoration. Proper implant planning requires an evaluation by a skilled surgeon and proper radiographs including a 3D Cone Beam Cat Scan.
In order to know where an implant is to be placed there must be a clear plan ahead of time in regards to the final crown restoration. While it’s imperative that any implants be placed to facilitate the planned restoration they must also be placed in sufficient bone and have adequate gum tissue for long term health.
So what does this all boil down? We have to know where we need an implant or implants for the proposed crown restorations, and if there is not enough tissue, either gum or bone, we need to graft it properly. If that’s not possible, we must adjust the treatment plan as needed prior to starting any treatment.
John R. Carson, DDS, PC, Spear Visiting Faculty
Chris L. Tye, MD, DDS, Oral Surgeon, Spear Club Leader
