Implants · patient case question
Which factor is the first consideration for long-term implant success?
Patient case: Implant assessment with an incidental sinus finding
Patient: Adult being assessed for maxillary posterior implants
Chief complaint: Wishes to replace missing maxillary posterior teeth with implants.
Background: No relevant medical history reported.
Current findings: Imaging shows 15 mm of mucosal thickening within the maxillary sinus.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. The patient's systemic health
- A. Surface texture influences the rate of osseointegration but is secondary to host factors.
- B. CORRECT. Systemic health governs everything downstream. Uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, antiresorptive therapy, head and neck radiotherapy and immunosuppression all impair osseointegration and raise failure rates. Patient selection precedes surgical and prosthetic considerations.
- C. Brand differences are marginal compared with host and site factors.
- D. Shade is an aesthetic consideration, irrelevant to survival.