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Implant Aesthetics pp 103–116Cite as

Clinical Assessment of the Gingiva and Alveolus

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Abstract

The first step heading to successful implant outcomes is a meticulous clinical examination. It provides implantologists a clear picture for diagnosis, treatment plan, and prevention of possible complications. This chapter suggests a guideline for comprehensive clinical evaluation on both gingiva and alveolus as well as general checking via palpation, probing, and visual perception. Prior to evaluation of future implant sites, an overall investigation is mandatory to verify the locations of anatomic structures, occlusion, esthetic, and pathologic conditions. Periodontal charting is of the essence in recording current soft tissue conditions to analyze periodontal/peri-implant health. Clinicians should also be aware of individual tissue biotype, keratinized mucosa, and biologic width for better soft tissue management. In addition to soft tissue, ridge dimension and ridge deformities should be entailed. With the aids of both clinical and radiographic examinations, these data found the basis for the precise diagnosis and comprehensive treatments, leading to uneventful outcomes and successful implant therapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene, School of Dentistry, University of Detroit Mercy, 2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Detroit, MI, 48208-2576, USA

    Yung-Ting Hsu DDS, MDSc, MS

  2. Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, 1011 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1078, USA

    Hom-Lay Wang DDS, MSD, PhD

Authors
  1. Yung-Ting Hsu DDS, MDSc, MS
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  2. Hom-Lay Wang DDS, MSD, PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hom-Lay Wang DDS, MSD, PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Advanced Education in Periodontics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    Edward Dwayne Karateew

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Hsu, YT., Wang, HL. (2017). Clinical Assessment of the Gingiva and Alveolus. In: Karateew, E. (eds) Implant Aesthetics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-50706-4_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-50706-4_7

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