Anatomical and Functional Considerations for Dental Implant Placement

Anatomical knowledge has always been the foundation of sound clinical medicine. Although human anatomy itself is not a particularly dynamic field, there have been significant advancements in surgical techniques and imaging in the past several years. The advent of implants in the field of dentistry, has given the dental professionals a viable option to provide the patient with nearly a third set of dentition. It is essential to have sound knowledge of anatomy and its variations prior to placement of implants to ensure a precise surgical procedure and safeguard the patient against iatrogenic complications. Understanding of basic anatomy prior to implant therapy is an important first step in dental implant surgery protocol specifically with technological advances and the popularity of dental implantation as a primary choice for replacement teeth that are lost. Implantologist should be familiar with all anatomical landmarks, muscles attachments, vascularization and innervations for both soft tissues and hard tissues associated with maxilla and mandible.