Patient Preparation

The patient should be medically fit to undergo the surgery. Placement of one or two implants is equivalent to relatively minor oral surgery whereas placement of five or six implants increases the magnitude significantly. The medical history should be checked with particular relevance to:

•  Poorly controlled diabetes
•  Blood dyscrasias
•  Medications
•  Irradiation to jaws
•  Mucosal diseases
•  Psychosis
•  Substance abuse including tobacco and alcohol
•  Need for antibiotic cover.

The patient should understand the procedure and be warned of any complications.They should have agreed with the treatment plan, treatment schedule, costings,and given their consent.The diagnostic set-up surgical stent and relevant radiographs should be available.

You as surgeon should have a clear idea of the number, size and planned location of the implants, should be trained in the procedure and able to cope with any unforeseen circumstances.