Surgical Assistance & Implant Placement Flashcards

In the context of implant surgery, 'bicortical stabilization' refers to:

Answer: An implant that engages cortical bone at both its apex and crestal region

Bicortical stabilization engages cortical bone at two points — typically the crestal cortex and the basal cortex — significantly increasing primary stability, especially in poor-quality bone.

When preparing a sterile surgical tray, which item should be opened last to minimize contamination risk?

Answer: The implant itself and its carrier

The implant and its sterile carrier should be opened as close to the moment of use as possible to minimize the window for potential contamination.

Which radiograph provides the most accurate cross-sectional view of available bone volume and proximity to vital structures for implant planning?

Answer: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)

CBCT provides three-dimensional, cross-sectional imaging that accurately depicts bone volume, density, and the location of nerves and sinuses for implant planning.

During implant surgery, an absorbable gelatin sponge (Gelfoam) placed in the socket is used primarily to:

Answer: Control hemorrhage and serve as a clot scaffold

Absorbable gelatin sponges are hemostatic agents that absorb blood, promote clot formation, and provide a scaffold to control surgical bleeding.

A healing abutment (healing cap) placed at second-stage surgery is designed to:

Answer: Shape and condition the peri-implant soft tissue emergence profile

Healing abutments emerge through the gingiva and shape the soft tissue to create the correct emergence profile needed for aesthetic prosthetic restoration.

If a patient reports persistent paresthesia of the lower lip two weeks after mandibular implant placement, the most likely cause is:

Answer: Inferior alveolar nerve injury or compression

Persistent lower lip paresthesia is a hallmark sign of inferior alveolar nerve injury or compression, commonly caused by implant placement too close to or into the nerve canal.

During a surgical procedure, the assistant's role in managing a patient showing signs of vasovagal syncope includes:

Answer: Placing the patient in Trendelenburg (supine with legs elevated) and alerting the surgeon

Vasovagal syncope is managed by placing the patient supine with legs slightly elevated to restore cerebral blood flow and immediately notifying the surgeon.