Implants in the medically challenged patient.

Proper patient selection and careful technique will always be the marks of quality implant dentistry providers. The implications for therapy, of existing systemic disease or systemic therapies have been described in this article. All health care delivery provided by dental practitioners must take into account, always and foremost, the patient. Careful patient evaluation is critical. Patients' physicians may not fully appreciate the physiologic ramifications of the complex and sometimes lengthy appointments required in performing implant procedures. The final decisions regarding the prescription of therapy rest with the dentist. Through increased knowledge of the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, disorders of bone metabolism, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, improved patient selection and perioperative management can benefit the dental implant team.