Lesson 1Ridge evaluation: clinical ridge width and height measurements, palpation for cortical plates, location of concavities or undercutsDescribes hands-on clinical ridge evaluation, including width and height measurements, palpation of cortical plates, and detection of concavities or undercuts, correlating findings with imaging to refine grafting plans for optimal outcomes.
Crestal ridge width measurement techniquesAssessing vertical ridge height clinicallyPalpation of buccal and lingual cortical platesIdentifying concavities and undercuts by touchClassifying ridge defects for graft planningCorrelating clinical and radiographic findingsLesson 2Radiographic assessment of bone quality and cortical thickness, presence of residual socket walls, lingual undercut, and proximity to adjacent rootsCovers radiographic evaluation of bone quality, cortical thickness, residual socket anatomy, lingual undercuts, and root proximity, linking these findings to primary stability, graft choice, and risk of cortical perforation in practice.
Assessing trabecular bone density patternsEvaluating buccal and lingual cortical thicknessIdentifying residual socket walls and defectsDetecting lingual undercuts and concavitiesProximity to adjacent roots and root morphologyImplications for graft selection and stabilityLesson 3Dental and oral history: timing of extraction, prior infections, periodontal status, parafunction, and previous implant/prosthetic historyReviews key elements of dental and oral history that influence mandibular posterior implant and grafting outcomes, emphasising risk identification, timing decisions, and integration of previous restorative and surgical information.
Timing and reasons for tooth extractionHistory of acute and chronic infectionsPast periodontal diagnosis and therapyParafunction, bruxism, and clenching habitsPrevious implants, failures, and complicationsExisting prostheses and occlusal schemesLesson 4Soft tissue imaging and planning: measuring keratinised tissue on images and use of intraoral scanning or photos for documentationExplains how to assess soft tissue using imaging, scans, and photographs, focusing on keratinised tissue width, mucosal thickness, and documentation that informs flap design, grafting, and emergence profile planning.
Measuring keratinised tissue on radiographsUsing intraoral scanners for soft tissue mappingStandardised clinical photography protocolsEvaluating mucosal thickness and phenotypePlanning soft tissue grafting needsArchiving digital records for follow-upLesson 5Targeted clinical exam: extraoral exam, intraoral soft tissue assessment, vestibular depth, keratinised tissue width, frenulum attachments, and mucosal qualityDetails a structured clinical examination for mandibular posterior sites, covering extraoral and intraoral soft tissue assessment, vestibular depth, keratinised tissue width, frenula, and mucosal quality for surgical access.
Extraoral symmetry and neurosensory baselineIntraoral soft tissue inspection and palpationMeasuring vestibular depth and mobilityAssessing keratinised tissue width clinicallyEvaluating frenulum position and tensionMucosal quality and scarring around the siteLesson 6Comprehensive medical history: systemic conditions, medications, bleeding risk, smoking, alcohol, bisphosphonates, anticoagulants, and prior radiationSummarises comprehensive medical history elements relevant to implant and grafting safety, including systemic disease, medications, bleeding risk, lifestyle factors, and prior radiation or antiresorptive exposure.
Cardiovascular and metabolic conditionsImmunosuppression and infection riskBleeding disorders and anticoagulant therapyBisphosphonates and other antiresorptivesSmoking, alcohol, and healing capacityHistory of head and neck radiationLesson 7Legal, consent, and referral considerations: when to refer for medical clearance or specialist input and documentation essentialsExplores medico-legal responsibilities in implant planning, including informed consent, documentation standards, and criteria for medical clearance or specialist referral to protect patient safety and clinician liability.
Elements of informed consent for implantsDocumenting risks, benefits, and alternativesWhen to seek medical clearanceIndications for specialist referralRecord keeping and imaging documentationManaging patient expectations in writingLesson 8CBCT and radiographic planning: ordering CBCT, expected DICOM data, slice selection, cross-sectional views, panoramic limitationsOutlines practical CBCT use for mandibular posterior planning, including prescription criteria, DICOM handling, slice selection, cross-sectional analysis, and understanding limitations of panoramic reconstructions.
Indications and timing for CBCT orderingField of view and resolution selectionImporting and managing DICOM datasetsChoosing optimal axial and cross sectionsUsing panoramic reconstructions cautiouslyRadiation dose and justification principlesLesson 9Key measurements from imaging: horizontal ridge width at crest and 1–3 mm subcrestal, vertical height to mandibular canal, distance to inferior alveolar canal, angulation and available bone lengthDetails essential linear and angular measurements from imaging for mandibular posterior sites, focusing on ridge width, vertical height, canal proximity, and angulation to support safe implant positioning and grafting strategies.
Measuring crestal and subcrestal ridge widthAssessing vertical height to mandibular canalDetermining distance to inferior alveolar canalEvaluating implant angulation in cross sectionsEstimating available bone length and trajectoryMeasurement calibration and error reductionLesson 10Periodontal and occlusal assessment: probing, attachment levels on adjacent teeth, occlusal scheme, opposing dentition considerationsFocuses on periodontal and occlusal evaluation around mandibular posterior sites, including probing, attachment levels, occlusal schemes, and opposing dentition, to anticipate biomechanical load and peri-implant risk.
Probing depths on adjacent teethClinical attachment and bone support levelsFurcation involvement near implant sitesStatic and dynamic occlusal analysisOpposing dentition and parafunctional loadPeriodontal stability before implant therapy
