The SAC classification in implant dentistry (2009)

Abstract

This book is primarily aimed at helping dental and specialist practitioners (from the surgical as well as restorative/prosthodontic point of view) for case selection and treatment planning of patients, who require implant-based dental care. I would recommend this book to all orthodontists with a special interest in interdisciplinary work where implants are required as it may help them to appreciate the requirements for successful contemporary implantology. General dentists may also wish to use this book to update their knowledge of the complexity of implant-based dental care.The book contains all the necessary definitions and descriptive terminology regarding the timing of the insertion of implants and the timing of provision of restorative care. The structure is easy to follow and the SAC classification is organized in tables, which allows for a ‘tick box approach’ for assessment of treatment complexity. This approach is used to harmonize and standardize the multifactorial nature of clinical conditions, which may have an impact on the complexity of implant-based restorative/prosthodontic care. The following ‘modifiers’ are used for standardization: general, aesthetic, surgical, restorative as well as applications. Undoubtedly, the approach taken here is extremely helpful for assessment and standardization of treatment complexity; however, it would have been helpful to include indications of the success rates and prognostic factors where possible.