Patient health can change considerably over time - therefore at every recall visit, check and get updated information on general health of patient, and if needed adapt maintenance policy adequately. Information (for example a poster)...
Tomography represents 2-D images of a slice through an object. Computerized tomography (CT) can produce virtual slices and conventional CTs take slice by slice and the machine stops and moves in between slices. Spiral/helical CTs are continuous scans in a...
Radiation source collimated at its source and then diverges into a fan shape to reach detectors. This results in a cone beam.
Pixel (picture + element) is the smallest single component of a 2-D image, whereas a voxel is the smallest element...
When obtaining a panoramic film, one must be aware of the importance of following proper technique and carefully positioning the patient's skull between the X-ray generator and the film. Rotation of the film and radiation source often occurs along a...
Intra-oral radiography can provide sufficiently diagnostic information regarding a dentition and also, in many instances, also yield the necessary pre-surgical planning information for implant surgery. If panoramic radiography is not available...
Because any form or radiation can impose a risk, patient history and clinical examination should be performed first to ensure that the right kind of imaging is sought and unhelpful imaging is avoided.
The four main types of imaging tools utilized, and...
Most patients’ mouth opening readily permits access for routine prosthodontic and surgical treatment interventions. Limited mouth opening or microstomia is encountered in patients exposed to sclerodermia, diffuse systemic...
Children and adolescents (during ongoing bone/skeletal development), unless in selected anodontia patients. However, implant placement for orthodontic treatment purposes is indicated.
Uncontrolled metabolic diseases such as Diabetes Mellit...
Bisphosphonates (BP) inhibit osteoclast activity and remain in the bone for a prolonged period. Bisphosphonates are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat osteoporosis, bone fragility disorders, like Paget’s disease, osteogenesis imperfecta...
It is important to evaluate signs indicating if the patient abuses alcohol or takes recreational drugs and may have developed addictions. In general these drugs have a psychedelic,...
The medical history should reveal if the patient takes any prescribed medication and especially whether in the correct dosage. Fear of oral surgery may induce a temporary overconsumption of drugs such as beta-blockers or...
Implant based treatment is a comprehensive long-term therapy with various treatment steps and ongoing need for adequate aftercare. It therefore requires considerable involvement, cooperation and dedication – compliance – from the patient. Therefore, during the...
Edentulism as a consequence of (sub)total agenesis of deciduous and/or permanent teeth in children and adolescents is extremely rare. It is commonly a component of a generalized underlying condition such as ectodermal dysplasia. There are...
Risk assessment & special high risk categories, overview
A thorough risk assessment forms the cornerstone of successful patient treatment. Four key sources of information permit the clinician to identify pertinent risks and to determine the seriousness of each risk...
It is helpful if a clinician is situated so that his/her eyes are at the level of the patient's eyes. For example, if the patient is seated, the clinician should also be seated. It is beneficial if the interview between clinician and...