Risk Factors in Implant Dentistry

Book excerpt: Treatment planning for implant therapy has changed dramatically in recent years as new protocols have evolved for techniques such as immediate loading and the use of short implants. This new edition has been updated to reflect the most important advances in implant dentistry, while still focusing on the patient risk assessment that is essential to successful long-term implant treatment. This book offers a clear, practical methodology for defining and evaluating the impact of various risk factors on individual patients considering therapy. In addition, specific guidelines and checklists are included to give specialists and general practitioners alike increased confidence in discussing implant therapy with their patients. The risk factors and limitations associated with various presentations of edentulism are described in detail, and the safest treatment options are given for each, including surgical protocols and solutions to bone-related problems.