Implantology is the newest major branch of dentistry and one that is rapidly becoming more and more important. A subject that was ridiculed 40 years ago is now transforming dentistry. Implantology gives hope for the end-stage edentulous patient unable to wear dentures. It enables those facing loss of a tooth to avoid bridgework or removable partial dentures. It is often simpler, faster, and far more effective over the long term to replace a failing tooth with an implant with a restoration than to do a root canal, post-core, and crown. This chapter discusses immediate implant therapy, which greatly reduces surgical interventions and shortens total treatment time, while preserving the alveolar structures which are rapidly lost when a tooth is extracted.
Part of the book: A Textbook of Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery