Clinical and Laboratory Manual of Implant Overdentures

Clinical and Laboratory Manual of Implant Overdentures. Hamid Shafie. 247 pp., illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell; 2007. This manual was written by Dr. Hamid R. Shafie and 19 contributors. In 17 chapters, all phases of implant overdenture therapy are covered. The outstanding clinical documentations and illustrations are presented step-by-step and easy to follow. The team consists of restorative dentists, prosthodontists, periodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, laboratory technicians, hygienist, architect, branding, marketing, and practice management experts. The goal is to encourage clinicians to use implant overdenture therapy for fully edentulous patients and provide the information required to simplify the procedure. Chapter 1. Patient preferences and expectations. This chapter is a comparison between implant overdenture, complete denture, and fixed implant-supported prosthesis to support this treatment option. Time, financial, and functional requirements are discussed to maximize success and avoid mistakes. Chapter 2. Diagnosis and treatment planning. This chapter emphasizes the importance of the diagnostic workup for implant overdenture. Clinical, radiographic (Panoramic, occlusal, and computed tomography), and anatomical considerations to determine available bone quantity and quality and to allow joint treatment planning. Chapter 3. Surgical guide and diagnostic stent. This chapter covers the classifications of surgical guides (gingiva or bone supported) and the advantages of implant 3D planning software. Chapter 4. Principles of attachment selection. This is a very critical section and describes the different types of attachments available. Biomechanical considerations, load distribution, selection criteria, and factors influencing design are covered to help the team in joint treatment planning. Chapter 5. Stud attachment. Four different attachments are described in this chapter. The clinical and laboratory procedures are covered in detail. Design specifications, indications, contraindications, and chair-side utilization are presented step-by-step with great, detailed clinical documentations and illustrations. Chapter 6. Bar attachment. The fundamentals of bar arrangement are presented in this chapter. The vertical and sagittal relationships, and the anterior-posterior distance are discussed in details in regards to the alveolar ridge and the hinge axis. The bar materials and classifications to support indications and contraindications are covered in depth and allow the team a thorough understanding and decision making based on requirement for a specific case. Once again, the illustrations and documentations make this chapter invaluable to all members of the team. Chapter 7. Spark erosion. This chapter focuses on spark erosion process. All clinical and laboratory steps are documented and will help guide the clinician to avoid common errors in this treatment modality. Chapter 8. Treatment success with implant overdenture. Biomechanical risk factors for maxillary and mandibular overdenture, and patient related factors are presented. The shape of the mandible must be taken into consideration for implant distribution to maximize the resistance to the lever arm. Finally, the impact on the quality of life should be the determining factor of success. Chapter 9. Occlusion and Implant-supported overdenture. This is an excellent overview of complete denture occlusion. Type of denture tooth, set-up, and position are critical factors in overdenture occlusion. Centric occlusion, equilibration, and occlusal plane are also very important and often forgotten in implant overdenture construction. The implant overdenture is not immune to fundamental prosthetic and occlusal principles. Chapters 10, 11, 12, and 13. These 4 chapters should be grouped and considered in the same context. Chapter 10 covers the presurgical assessment and various incision designs and suturing techniques related to implant surgery. Bone grafting materials, harvesting and site preparation are also covered in this chapter. Chapters 11, 12, and 13 are system specific and describe the steps and protocol for different implant systems. These chapters can provide a reference in regards to the surgical protocol of the systems presented. Chapter 14. Loading approaches for mandibular implant overdenture. Early, progressive, and immediate loading concepts are described in this chapter. The advantages and the critical factors in determining loading strategies are presented to help the team members in selecting the appropriate modality. The Syncone concept and the advantages of telescopic crown techniques are very well-documented and illustrated. Chapter 15. Clinical applications of the measurement of implant stability using ostell mentor. The clinician can utilize this diagnostic device to measure the stability of dental implants. The reading is given as an implant stability quotient (ISQ) and should be recorded. This information is very valuable at the time of the implant placement and in the future. Chapter 16. Follow-up and maintenance of the implant overdenture. The characteristics of ideal peri-implant tissues and the long-term maintenance of the attachments is critical for the implant overdenture success. Various techniques for homecare are described in this chapter to include brushing, flossing, and antimicrobials. The importance of recall visits and periodic radiographic and clinical examinations is emphasized. Chapter 17. Core principles of the successful implant practice. The busi-ness and economics of the implant practice are presented in this chapter. The importance of team and the vision to focus on many elements of success in the implant practice. Marketing; branding and even office design, and key features in planning to distinguish and differentiate implantologists. Dr. Shafie and his contributors provided the clinician and all members of the implant team excellent material that covers all facets of the implant practice and specifically the implant overdenture. This book will serve as a must-have reference, even for the experienced clinicians. The detailed illustrations and supportive clinical documentations are easy to follow and address every step, from initial consultation to final delivery and recall. This is an outstanding and complete book for implant overdentures. Nickalas Elian, DDS Division of Implant Dentistry New York University College of Dentistry New York, NY