The prostheses made over implants often have better cosmetic results than conventional bridges. In fact, in the majority of situations, implant technology can substitute the conventional treatment modalities. In some clinical situations, the patients would derive more benefits in terms of cost and effectiveness from conventional dentistry. For example, staggering arrangement of the remaining teeth and unfavorable occlusal load and relationship with the opposing teeth would not favour implant as the option of treatment. There are situations in which implant prosthesis does not perform better than a conventional prosthesis such as in the case of a good upper totally edentulous ridge.
Implant treatment is a relatively complicated technique compared to conventional bridge work.
Acquiring the clinical skills for implant treatment requires a long learning curve on the part of the dentist. Implants and their supporting prostheses require more meticulous effort to maintain. The maintenance programme is more demanding on the dentist and the patient. Implant complications are more difficult to handle. The above material is prepared by the courtesy of and remains the propeties of the Hong Kong Society of Oral Implantology.