As implant therapy continues to expand its role and popularity as a treatment option for replacing missing teeth, it is important to acknowledge the experience clinicians have placing their first implant, which ultimately makes all of this growth possible. As evidenced by Dr. Dennis Tarnow, a world-renowned leader in continuing education for dental implants, everyone has to start somewhere. In this brief interview excerpt with Managing Editor David Casper, he recounts his experience, demonstrating how an initially intimidating procedure can be practiced with confidence once clearing that first hurdle.

For fully edentulous cases, the process of creating a scan appliance begins with the fabrication of an ideal definitive removable prosthesis that meets the patient's functional and esthetic needs. Once an acceptable removable prosthesis is fabricated, it can be duplicated to create a radiographic guide.

For the best results and maximum efficiency, implant therapy should be approached comprehensively, with the final result visualized from the outset. Technology has advanced to the point where smile design, emergence profile and margins can be established prior to any surgical intervention, giving clinicians a clear picture of the optimal prosthetic outcome that can be carried through each phase of treatment.

Dzevad Ceranic, CDT, details the laboratory production of a Screw-Retained Hybrid Denture, demonstrating the efficiency of an all-in-one approach to implant therapy.

Learn about taking advantage of the latest digital impression systems and CAD/CAM technology with digitally produced custom abutments and crowns from Glidewell Laboratories.

Dr. Gordon Christensen offers his thoughts on the growing role of general practitioners in placing implants, the benefits of mini implants and the ongoing debate over restorative materials.

Dr. Dennis Tarnow reflects on the changing world of implant dentistry, exploring dental education, implant spacing, the international implant marketplace and more.

Catch a glimpse of digital implant restorations from taking and submitting the digital impression through CAD/CAM design and fabrication of the abutment and crown in “Digital in a Day.”

Dr. Timothy Kosinski illustrates the clinical flexibility of the Inclusive® Tooth Replacement System by summarizing the restoration of an edentulous anterior maxilla with an implant-retained bridge.

Dr. Perry Jones discusses how digital scanning, CBCT, guided surgery and treatment planning software are improving the predictability of restorative outcomes.