Includes References

A few years ago saw the publication of the two-volume work Implantologie Step by Step,
starting with part I “Maxilla” and followed by part II “Mandible,” in both German and Polish.
Interest in a practical implantology “cookbook” was great and both volumes quickly became
bestsellers. Since then, implantology has evolved with such speed that it seemed a good idea to
revise both volumes fully, and to update and extend them. The result is now in your hands.
The division into maxilla and mandible has been retained, but the two parts have now been
brought together in a single volume. Sub-sections covering the anterior and posterior regions
and the edentulous jaw have also been retained. A section on totally edentulous patients has
been added for the sake of completeness. Chapter 3 entitled “The Edentulous Mandible” has
been totally revised, describing not only the cantilever fixed bridge but also the new
Sliwowski Overdenture System concept. This technique makes it possible to provide the
patient with a high-quality immediate restoration on a minimally invasive and economic basis.
The diagnostic tools and treatment plan are outlined before each treatment is described. One
new feature is that the year when the treatment began is given in the summary at the end of each
case, alongside the treatment course and timings of the various procedures. The aim of this is
to allow you to place the treatment on the developmental timeline of implantology. Another
new addition to the case reports is the “Continued follow-up” section, which may span a
number of years, allowing better evaluation of the long-term results. As in the first edition,
both general and important additional information relating to the described cases is highlighted
under the “Note” or “Attention” headings.
The authors’ attitude to the presented material has also changed. We present not just a
selection of “good” and successful cases, but also those particularly critical, controversial and
problematic ones which can teach us a lot, but which we practitioners rarely bring to light in
the normal course of things, and usually prefer to keep “in the drawer.”
Along with long-established and tried-and-tested concepts, this book also gives
consideration to further developments and current trends in implantology. Conventional 2D
diagnosis is becoming more and more a thing of the past and is being replaced by 3D diagnosis
and planning. The availability of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners continues
to grow, making this type of diagnosis a reality. The immediate non-functional and functional
loading of implants is also increasing, often replacing the conventional load-free healing
period of implant treatment.
Finally, I would like to extend my most cordial thanks to all our readers for their huge
interest in the previous edition, and wish all our colleagues lots of enjoyment in referring to
this book and much success with the treatment of their patients.