Predictability of Dental Implants

Abstract

The impact of tooth loss on quality of life has been discussed in the literature (Gerritsen et al, Health Qual Life Outcomes 8:126, 2010; Saintrain and de Souza, Gerodontology, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-2358.2011.00535.x). Modern dentistry has advanced preventive and therapeutic measures to decrease the incidence of tooth loss. Tooth loss can result from various reasons, including trauma, caries, periodontal disease, etc. (Zohrabian et al., Semin Ultrasound CT MR, https://doi.org/10.1053/j.sult.2015.09.002; Searson, Implantology in general dental practice. http://www.quintpub.com/display_detail.php3?psku=B8904#.X3N6iBNKjzI. Accessed 29 Sept 2020; Clark and Levin, Dent Traumatol, https://doi.org/10.1111/edt.12492). Dental implants have been replacing single or multiple teeth. Although most literature supports a high success rate for dental implants, failures due to complications and peri-implant disease are not uncommon (Clark and Levin, Dent Traumatol, https://doi.org/10.1111/edt.12492). Therefore, a practitioner should perform a thorough comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, intra- and extraoral examinations, and radiographs. This chapter briefly reviews indications for dental implants, factors affecting implant outcomes, dental implant disease, and, finally, recommendations for dental providers.