Controversies in Implant Surgery.

Dental implants are a mainstream treatment protocol to replace missing teeth. Patient and clinician demands have led to shorter length and narrower diameter implants, immediately placed implants into infected sites, and the use of implants in children. This article reviews some of the controversial topics in implant dentistry, and presents the evidence that supports and challenges these newer techniques. Because long-term studies are often not available, especially for implants in infected sites, mini implants, and implants in the growing patient, the field continues to evolve.