New challenges in treatment planning and execution for osseointegrated implant placement.

Implant-supported prostheses have become an established treatment for fully or partially edentulous patients. With restoration of function, aesthetics, and phonetics being recognized as essential for a successful implant treatment, the author of this presentation discusses several aspects that might be included in the definition of success and failure. The author also suggests subjecting all mechanical modifications of implants to the same stringent standards as surgical reconstruction before these designs are widely utilized.