Risk management in clinical practice. Part 9. Dental implants

Key Points

• Risk factors associated with implant failure and complications need to be assessed for each patient individually.

• A thorough evaluation of adjacent teeth and the mouth in general is required for proper treatment planning.

• Damage to adjacent structures is avoidable but increasingly the subject of clinical negligence claims.

• Practitioners should be adequately trained and follow the GDC guidelines.

Abstract

Patients have high expectations of dental implants in terms of appearance, function and longevity. It is essential that these expectations are realistically managed and that treatment of the highest standard is provided. This involves very careful evaluation, including clinical and radiographic, and presentation of the pros and cons of treatment alternatives. Provision of a successful implant restoration requires many skills including a surgical procedure to place the implant in the best possible position and prosthodontic techniques to provide an aesthetic restoration in occlusal harmony with the rest of the dentition. Recognition of risk factors and long-term maintenance requirements are equally important. Clinicians involved in these treatments must obtain adequate training and develop skills through treatment of straightforward cases using well established protocols before embarking on more demanding cases.

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