Implant Surgery Day Checklist

Nine years in, I placed my first implants, with my mentor Dr Paul Greham of the Institute of Clinical Implantology (ICI) beside me the whole time. I thought it would be much harder than it was.

Most of the work happened before the surgery day. The CBCT, planning the 3D position, picking the implant size before the day. So on the day, all I was doing was following the plan. I wouldn’t say it was easy, but it was straightforward with the right planning.

This is the checklist I used. One sheet per patient, tick as you go.

What’s on it

• Before the day: CBCT review (bone density, distance to the IAN canal or sinus floor), phenotype, pre-op photos, consent signed before any sedative, pre-op medication, escort if sedated.
• Set-up: sterile set-up and field, pre-op scaling and chlorhexidine rinse, irrigation confirmed as saline, kit and drill sequence.
• Surgery: twelve steps from LA to the final IOPA, including the speed check before you pick up the implant.
• Record: system, diameter and length, insertion torque, depth, healing abutment, sutures, and a space for the implant label sticker.
• Post-op: instructions written and spoken, medication and pain relief explained, review and suture removal booked, notes written.

Before you use it

It’s a checklist, not a protocol. Use it alongside proper training and a mentor.

The drill speeds, torques and depth on the sheet are examples from my own kit, not recommendations. They vary by implant system, so confirm every number against your system’s protocol and your mentor before you use it.

I’ve left medication off on purpose. Prescribe per current guidelines and your mentor.

The Word version is there so you can make it yours: swap in your system’s settings, your kit and your own steps.

The steps I learnt, from consult to surgery, are coming.

Regulatory Information: Images/videos posted with patient consent. No filters, AI enhancements, or unrealistic lighting used. For educational purposes only, not medical advice. Surgical/invasive procedures carry risks; individual results vary. Seek a second opinion from a qualified practitioner before treatment. Dr William Shield - Registered General Dentist DEN0002139093