The art of computer-guided implantology

  • P. Tardieu &
  • A. Rosenfeld
UK: Quintessence price £105.00; pp 240 ISBN 9780867154771 | ISBN: 978-0-8671-5477-1

This book is an essential buy for anyone looking to delve into the sometimes enigmatic practice of implant placement, or indeed a current implantologist wanting to update their knowledge of the most contemporary techniques and those technologies now available. This book epitomises current 'best practice' in implantology, giving a stepwise account of how to achieve optimal and consistent aesthetic and functional results.

The introduction of computed tomography in treatment planning has revolutionised the practice of implant placement. Although many clinicians still rely heavily on analogue radiographic techniques, this book discusses the inherent bifunctional nature of CT scanning, where the interface between planning the surgical procedure and actually placing the implant can be overcome in a quasi-CAD-CAM inter-relationship.

The authors stress the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach throughout, with the final prosthesis being at the epicentre of each clinical stage. They document the importance of a surgical guide in transferring information throughout the course of treatment, as traditionally limited use of guides have restricted the vast efficacy of computed tomography.

The textbook is effectively a recipe book for implantologists, with an ordered and cumulative structure guiding the practitioner through each stage; from diagnosis, to treatment planning, creating a surgical guide to placing the implants, while incorporating the design of the final restoration at each stage

The text asserts that incorporating computer-guided treatment into surgical practice confers many benefits, both for the patient and practitioner, including more accurate placement, improved patient comfort, efficient prosthetic fabrication and enhanced aesthetics. Interestingly, they believe that utilising CT scanning actually reduces expense for the practitioner, by minimising lab costs.

The book is well illustrated, complementing the surprisingly explicable yet comprehensive text. It is referenced widely with clinical examples to demonstrate some of the common difficulties often experienced by clinicians, on the rare occasion when a patient does not conform to the idiom of the 'ideal' candidate!

The authors also tackle some of the current areas of ongoing research, such as immediate loading of implants. The 'immediate smile' procedure allows a provisional screw-retained restoration in the same appointment as the implant placement.

Also included are a varied array of 14 clinical cases, demonstrating a wide spectrum of circumstances which all benefit from the use of computer-guided planning and placement. Each case is followed from diagnosis and clinical investigations through to the definitive prosthesis, allowing the reader an insight into the use of computed tomography at each stage.