Implants by the Numbers
It is extremely gratifying to restore an implant with a naturally esthetic result.
A final outcome that looks like it is the patient’s own tooth happens only with proper planning. Too often, restorative dentists leave all the planning of implant placement to the surgeon. After all, the surgeon is the expert at placing implants. Unfortunately, some surgeons may not be fully aware of the effect that the position of the implant platform has on the restorability of the implant.
In order to ensure excellent outcomes, the restorative dentist needs a thorough understanding of where the implant platform has to be to allow a functionally esthetic restoration to be fabricated. This starts by mocking up, either physically or digitally, the ideal final restoration. From the mock up important measurements can be made that will help the surgeon determine if additional procedures, such as hard and/or soft tissue grafting, will be needed to properly position the implant platform for adequate restoration.
The important measurements that will be discussed include: 1) distance to the occlusal table 2) lingual distance from the buccal gingival margin 3) apical distance from the buccal gingival margin 4) distance from adjacent teeth, and 5) position of the proximal contact. Methods of communicating these needs to the surgeon will also be discussed.
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- List the important measurements necessary for a functional and esthetic implant restoration
- Discuss the effect each of these measurements has on the resulting restoration
- Communicate accurately necessary implant platform position with their surgeon