Rehabilitation of patients with oral cancers is usually done in a combined way with surgical, chemo- and radio-therapy. Radiotherapy predisposes to fibrotization, ischemia and xerostomia. There is clinical evidence...

A steroid is an organic compound and a type of lipid substance. Steroids play a critical role in metabolism, for example, as the dietary fat Cholesterol, as bile acids or as steroid hormones (e.g. Cortisone/Glucocorticoids, Estrogens, Testosterone). The more complex...

A critical side effect in the oro-maxillo-facial region observed in patients undergoing administration over a long period of time and especially intravenously, bisphosphonate therapy may predispose to ‘bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw’...

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...

Osteoporosis is a frequent disease affecting predominantly postmenopausal women. The prevalence is 7% in women aged 55 and raises to 19% in women aged 80. Osteoporosis is diagnosed by a decreased radiologic bone density (DXA-score). Primary osteoporosis is more...

Patients may have compromised blood coagulation due to inherited hemophilia or acquired disorders of coagulation resulting from preventive anticoagulant therapy in case of cardiovascular diseases. There are also states of heightened coagulation, called...

Diabetes refers to metabolic diseases where blood sugar levels are too high, a condition termed hyperglycemia, and where symptoms as increased hunger, weight loss, more frequent urination, weakness and fatigue and excessive thirst are observed. High...

Parafunctional activities can discourage the treatment option of a resin bonded fixed partial denture. It can however also apply high forces to both implant and prosthetic components. These forces can lead to fracture or loosening of screws and abutments...

The initial examination of a patient requires thorough history taking, both dental and medical. Any question pertaining to systemic health or medications that may interfere with the dental procedures, especially wound healing or the osseointegration process must be addressed...

The medical history should reveal if the patient takes any prescribed medication (see also ‘General Patient History’) and especially whether in the correct dosage. Fear of oral surgery may induce a temporary overconsumption of drugs such as beta-blockers or...

Smoking and nicotine consumption have a constrictive effect on blood vessels thereby reducing blood supply. It increases the susceptibility to periodontal inflammatory diseases, dry extraction sockets and wound healing complications...

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...

Single implant therapy with todays technologies is a routine intervention and treatment option, and can considered a low-risk treatment for most patients and age groups, depending on general health and local tissue condition...

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...

How can we minimize treatment planning errors and maximizing the prosthetic and esthetic outcome? Recent advances in digital applications have focused on the integration of the diagnostic phase, surgical implant placement and prosthetic reconstruction. 3D radiographic data sets...