[Preoperative and surgical protocols for better implant integration]

In implant placement, different bone densities require different implant types in order to achieve maximum stability. Therefore, careful preoperative planning is essential to diagnose and/or augment the bone, to select the correct size and type of implant for each individual case, and to establish the appropriate surgical protocol. This paper and presentation discuss the essentials for establishing such protocol, ie, the quality and quantity of bone, type and size of implants, surgery, progressive loading, and shifting of the mastication forces. Serious errors in planning first appear as short-term failures, and they indicate inadequacy in osseointegration in the healing phase or overloading caused by the superstructure. Less grave errors occur later as long-term failures, due to the width, depth, and density of the bone and the angulation of the implant. Appropriate components have to be used for different types of bone: Uncoated screws are the best solution for D1 and D2 types of bone; coated screws should be used in the presinus area and after nerve transpositioning. Cylindrical implants are best suited for subantral augmentation, using a narrow drill; the bone bed is progressively widened by a conic osteotome, and the technique provides a good stability. Free gingival transplant is indicated in cases with insufficient keratinized gingiva. Masticatory overloading can be avoided by reducing the occlusal table, decreasing cusp inclination, and anteriorizing the upper mastication areas.