Aesthetics in Implants

The initial treatment plan for implant dentistry is based on ideal implant size and diameter to optimize maximal aesthetics. When teeth are replaced with dental implants, the dentist should pre-select the ideal abutment size based on the ideal size for an aesthetic restoration. The size of an implant is determined primarily by the existing bone volume in height, width and length. Longer implants are selected in the anterior regions of the mouth and shorter ones in the posterior areas because of the limits of the mandibular canal and maxillary sinus. Dental implants transfer loads to surrounding biological tissues. The height of existing available bone is often used by the implantologist to determine the implant length after adequate width and mesiodistal space are confirmed. The height of available bone is measured from the crest of the edentulous ridge to the opposing landmark. The wide diameter implant presents surgical, loading and prosthetic advantages. Because occlusal stresses to the implant interface are concentrated at the crest of the ridge, width appears more important.