The tissues involved in implant procedures 31

Fig. 2-9. The amount of time elapsing between loss of the teeth and contemplation of an implant intervention is not a sound criterion for judging the amount of alveolar bone remaining. In this totally edentulous mandible, for example, there is more than adequate alveolar bone remaining although the patient may have lost his teeth some time ago. The amount may be caused by the fact that the alveolar process originally consisted of very densely packed bone (as opposed to very loose cancellous bone). Excellent nutrition, no negative bone factor or endocrine gland dysfunctions. Also the habit of chewing directly on the gums may aid bone stimulation. Careful radiography is always a prerequisite before an intervention.

Favorable

Possible in most sites

Fig. 2-10. The classification of the mandible for endosseous implant interventions is clearly based upon the amount of alveolar bone remaining. A subperiosteal implant is indicated for C.