Pre-Surgical: Implant Size Selection

Implant Size Selection

• The appropriate implant length and width depends upon the available bone and the expected occlusal loads.
• In general, choose the widest but not necessarily the longest implant possible.
• Panoramic and periapical radiographs as well as diagnostic models and a clinical examination are used to determine
if enough mesio-distal space and vertical bone height exist to place a Bicon implant safely and appropriately in a proposed site.
• A transparent ruler or an implant radiograph overlay, which depict implant outlines of actual size and 125% of actual size, is helpful in selecting an appropriately sized implant. Since radiographs are not necessarily precise representations, knowledge of their magnification must be considered while using them to determine an appropriately sized implant.

Implant Size Recommendations:
The following chart contains recommendations only. Actual clinical conditions and the clinician’s assessment are the main criteria for choosing the size of an implant for a particular area.

Keys to Success

• The 3.5mm diameter implants are generally for mandibular anterior teeth. If practical, their use should be avoided for maxillary anterior and all posterior teeth.
• The 5.0 x 8.0mm and the 6.0 x 5.7mm implants are capable of supporting any tooth in the dental arch.
• From the canine posteriorly, if practical, place one implant per tooth being replaced.
• Consider using HA coated implants in poor quality or grafted bone.
• It is advisable to have at least 1.0mm of bone around the implant. Therefore, an advisable bone width is 5.5mm to comfortably accommodate a 3.5mm implant, unless ridge splitting or grafting techniques are employed to widen the site.
• In the anterior maxilla, it is advisable to place 4.5mm wide or wider implants, especially when the use of an angled abutment is intended.
• The width of the alveolar bone may be assessed with a periodontal probe or caliper. It is advisable to have 1.0mm of bone around an implant for a long-term favorable prognosis.
• For maxillary anterior implants, always anticipate the potential need for ridge splitting or bone grafting techniques.

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