The ideal candidate for dental implants is in good general and oral health. Smoking, while not a contraindication, is a risk factor. For successful implant placement, there must be sufficient bone height and width to hold the implant. In the lower jaw there must also be sufficient bone available above the mandibular nerve, which runs within the jawbone. The amount of bone available is determined by clinical exam, and by x-rays.
If insufficient bone exists, we now have the ability to increase the amount of bone with ridge augmentation procedures. In the upper arch, the proximity of the sinus may reduce the amount of bone available. Sinus lift procedures can add bone to the floor of the sinus, allowing for implant placement. In cases where there are questions about bone anatomy, a CAT scan may be utilized to provide needed details.
Simplant
When traditional dental x-rays do not provide sufficient information on the shape and amount of bone, a CAT scan is recommended. This digital information is then sent to Columbia Scientific, Inc., a company that reformats the data for dental use. Using a computer program called Sim/plant, we can view the jawbone from various angles. It becomes easy to determine the height, width, and density of the bone, and the location of the mandibular nerve and the maxillary sinus. Implant simulations can be done on the computer, so the exact size and ideal location for the implant is known.
For the majority of implants, clinical examination with x-rays is sufficient for treatment planning. However, for more complex cases, the Sim/plant provides precise information about jaw anatomy and warrants the extra expense.
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