Risk assessment & special high risk categories, overview

Treatment risk assessment

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:

• The patient’s general medical health such as certain systemic conditions: Age, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases etc., including related medication
• The patient’s oral health and local conditions such as periodontitis or parafunctions
• The patient interview
• The patient's behavioral conditions such as smoking, psychological/psychiatric profile or drug abuse

The patient interview and assessment will expose the functional and esthetic outcome and patient expectations, bone condition and dimensions, anatomical limitations (refer also to chapter anatomical location).

Treatment risk vs. Contra-indication

Some conditions may have different degrees of severity and therefore will not always present with clear symptoms or a clear clinical picture. In light of these levels, the resulting treatment risks may be lower or higher or even result in a contra-indication. Depending on the situation, consider consulting other medical professionals, e.g. internist/family doctor. Thorough and comprehensive patient information on the existing risks and consequences of the treatment and appropriate documentation is critical.  Many key areas of risk are presented and discussed in other documents within the Patient Assessment section of these treatment guidelines.