FROM THE DESK OF ALAN M. MELTZER DMD MScD

ENCODED ABUTMENTS

In this newsletter I would like to introduce a new concept in implant restoration. From this point forward it is no longer necessary to use an impression coping or snap cap to fabricate an implant restoration. We have worked closely with Biomet-3i to develop an encoded healing abutment system. Let me explain how this system works.

Following our usual protocol, either at the time of implant placement or at second-stage surgery, our office will install a healing abutment. The healing abutment will appear completely normal to you with the exception of some small hieroglyphics carved in the occlusal surface of the healing abutment. These markings carry a very specific code, which describes the exact location of the implant in four dimensions: buccal-lingual, mesial-distal, apical-occlusal as well as the timing of the internal hex.

When the patient arrives in your office, all that you need to do is rinse and dry the healing abutment in place. This will ensure a clean and accurate impression. Then, simply take a vinyl polysiloxane impression of the arch in a stock impression tray.

Take an alginate impression for a counter model, as well as providing a bite and shade. Forward the materials to your laboratory. They will pour and mount the casts. The material will be sent to 3i and then scanned. At 3i a virtual model is made and a custom abutment generated. Additionally, the encoded abutment data will permit 3i to fabricate a master cast.

The abutment and master cast are returned to the laboratory. The lab now fabricates a crown or crowns to exactly fit the cast and custom abutment(s). The abutment(s) can be made to your exact specifications or to a set of default specifications.

The master cast, crown and custom abutment are returned to you for installation. All you need to do is remove the encoded abutment for the first and only time, install the custom abutment, torque the abutment screw to 20 n/cm and cement the crown(s).

I hope this new innovation is both better for your patients as well as your practice.

This entry was posted on Monday, January 7th, 2008 at 3:24 pm and is filed under Newsletters. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.