[Current status of therapy with dental implants]

The objective of the present article was to review the literature concerning the use of dental implants during the last decades. It is based on the excellent paper published by Dr. Roland Meffert in the Proceedings of the World Workshop in Clinical Periodontics of 1989. The following points were analyzed: 1) The current criteria of success for dental implants. 2) The histology of the perimucosal or transgingival area surrounding the dental implants. 3) The means of retention of the different types of dental implants. 4) Four basic forms of dental implants: a) Blade-Vent implants, b) Transosteal Implants, c) Osseointegrated Implants, and d) Subperiosteal Implants. 5) The steps for the construction of an osseointegrated prosthesis. 6) The maintenance of the case. 7) Indications and contraindications of the different types of implants. 8) Conclusions. 9) Bibliography.