The SAC (Straightforward -Advanced- Complex) classification in Implant Dentistry. Treatment of Straightforward implant cases

Over the past fifteen years, implant dentistry has progressed to become the standard of care for the rehabilitation of fully and partially edentulous patients in a safe and predictable way. The evolution of new techniques applied in the field of dental implants along with the complexity of treatment being recommended to patients, have led to an expansion of indications for implant therapy, providing increased opportunities for dental practitioners to become involved in the delivery of care. To assist clinicians in evaluating the degree of difficulty, defining the level of treatment complexity and the potential for complications, a normative classification for a given type of case was determined based on predefined criteria. This classification was initially described in an atlas of oral surgery, was adopted in 1999 by the Swiss Society of Oral Implantology (SSOI) and in 2003 by the International Team for Implantology during the ITI Consensus Conference, was slightly modified in 2006 and since then serves as a framework for clinicians in both case selection and treatment planning providing benefit for the patient. According to the SAC classification every single case may be classified as Straightforward, Advanced or Complex. Nevertheless, this tool is designed as a diagnostic and therapeutic guide for identification of the level of difficulty of individual cases during initial treatment plan, surgical process of implant placement as well as before or at the same time of the restorative phase of implants. The aim of this study is to outline the guidelines in applying the assigned classification in clinical practice, through presentation of individual clinical cases that in accordance to the normative classification were categorized as straightforward. For reasons of ease, clarity and facilitation, one table per case is presented, serving as a useful tool for clinicians wishing to design and execute implant therapy, among others, in straightforward cases.