Criteria for implant selection: surgical and prosthetic considerations

With the availability of osseointegrated implants in an assortment of diameters as well as lengths, the implant selection process has become more complex. To expand treatment options and optimize outcome, implant selection should be guided by a number of surgical considerations and prosthetic requirements specific to each implant site. Small diameter implants are appropriate in areas of narrow ridge dimension or where prosthetic space is limited. Wide diameter implants are well suited to posterior regions with poorer bone quality and restricted vertical height. They provide a higher degree of implant-to-bone contact, increased stability, reduced screw stress, and an improved emergence profile. The learning objective of this article is to discuss these considerations and to outline the implant selection criteria.