Anatomic considerations for dental implants.

The shape, quantity, and quality of bone in the mandible and maxilla are significant factors in deciding which implant options are possible. An understanding of the importance of each of these factors is necessary for the successful diagnosis of edentulous and partially edentulous arches and for optimum use of the many devices and concepts being promoted to the profession and the public. This paper will discuss the differences between the bone of the mandible and the maxilla and between the dentulous and edentulous areas and how these affect implant treatment. Reestablishment of bone in deficient areas is also discussed.