Implants · single question

A radiographic/surgical implant stent is designed to convey all of the following information EXCEPT:

  1. The angulation of the implant relative to the planned restoration
  2. The diameter and length of the implant to be placed
  3. The number of implants planned
  4. The mesiodistal and buccolingual location of the implant
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. The diameter and length of the implant to be placed

  • A. ANGULATION is arguably the stent's most important contribution, since it enforces prosthetically driven placement. An implant angled without reference to the restoration produces an unrestorable or unesthetic result.
  • B. CORRECT as the EXCEPTION. The stent communicates POSITION, ANGULATION and NUMBER — it is a spatial guide derived from the planned prosthesis. The SIZE of the fixture (diameter and length) is selected from the bone volume, ridge width and proximity to vital structures as assessed on CBCT, and may be revised intraoperatively based on what the surgeon actually encounters. The stent guides where and at what inclination to drill, not which fixture to open.
  • C. NUMBER of planned implants is communicated by the stent's guide channels.
  • D. LOCATION is a core function — the stent transfers the ideal restorative position of each tooth to the surgical field.

Note: The governing principle is PROSTHETICALLY DRIVEN IMPLANT PLACEMENT: design the final restoration first, then position implants to serve it. The stent is the physical embodiment of that plan — surgery follows prosthetics, not the reverse.

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