Clinical, radiological and photoelastic evaluation of conventional vs mini dental implants

Dental implants are usually used for retention of fixed or removableprostheses in partially or completely edentulous patients. Theposition of the implants is mainly determined by prosthetic andbiological parameters and has to be thoroughly planned before theirinstallation. Since the prosthetic rehabilitation of the patient is thefinal treatment goal the prosthetically optimal position is one of themost important parameters to be evaluated during treatment planning.Biological parameters to be considered include the presence ofbone for implant stability and osseointegration, topographic relationof vital anatomic structures and soft tissue condition. Implantmalposition can have negative biological, functional and esthetic consequences. It can compromise the final treatment outcome and also lead to irreversible tissue destruction. Depending on its nature and severity, compensation of the malposition by prosthetic or surgical means may sometimes be possible. However, in some cases implant removal is the ultima ratio leading to significant iatrogenic tissue destruction and a complex consecutive therapy. If proper clinical, radiographic and prosthetic preoperative diagnostics are applied, the surgical and prosthetic treatment are well planned and performed thereafter, malposition can be avoided. In this regard,communication between the surgeon, the prosthodontist and the dental technician are of great importance. Moreover, recent developments in radiology and digital dentistry have led the development of new tools and procedures for implant treatment planning and implant placement.