Implant team: problems and solutions with osseointegrated implants

The concept of an implant team, in which the implants are placed by the periodontist or oral surgeon and the prosthetic procedures are performed by a restorative dentist, provides a system of checks and balances. A team concept may minimize the potential for failure and provide an environment of cooperation that can lead to even better success, with a minimum of difficulty and fewer complications. In this author's experience, a wide variety of avoidable problems may become evident in the implant restorative area. This article examines some of the more common problems and provides suggestions for solutions.