DDS Digital Training Resources

Implant Case Protocol

Utilizing the correct scans and information as described in the following protocol will help ensure that implants are restored accurately. Please note that all of the titanium abutments are outsourced for milling. The scan body manufacturer that is used determines the company that will mill the abutment. For instance, if a Straumann scan body is used, then Straumann will mill the abutment. If a TruScan scan body is used, TruAbutment will manufacture the titanium abutment. 
  1. 1

    Contacts

    Please ensure the adjacent contacts are as parallel as possible with the implant so the restoration will seat passively and maintain broad contacts.

    As with normal crown and bridge cases (pictured below), ensure the contacts are parallel with the implant restoration and with each other for draw and breadth.

    Adjust with a fine, parallel diamond as if prepping abutments to draw for a bridge. (Ortho teaches that removing up to .25mm of enamel is safe). 

    Smooth with a fine, parallel, non-criscut carbide for keeping the draw and breadth but cleaning up the micro scratches from the fine diamond. 
  2. 2

    Opposing

    Scan the opposing arch. 
  3. 3

    Scan Body

    Scan the implant arch with the scan body in place.
    • Take an x-ray to confirm that the scan body is completely seated.

    • Scan the scan body individually as you would a traditional prep, making sure to get a clean scan of the top and flat sides.
  4. 4

    Bite Scan

    Remove the scan body and take your bite scan. Check the bite scan carefully to ensure accurate occlusion. 
  5. 5

    Tissue Scan

    Take an additional tissue scan with the healing abutments removed. This will help our emergence profile design of the abutment.
  6. 6

    Filling Out the RX

    When filling out the RX, include the following information to ensure that correct parts are ordered and the case is restored without any errors or delays:

    1. Implant System Name - Nobel, Struamann, Astra, etc.
    2. Implant Size - NP, 3.5, RC, etc. with the reference number included. The reference number is a failsafe way for us to know the platform that we are restoring and if it is a platform switch. 
    3. Abutment Material - Indicate whether the abutment will be titanium or zirconia and if it should be gold anodized (we automatically gold anodize all anterior abutments, teeth 6-11 and 22-27).
    4. Implant Type - Specify if it is a screw retained or cement retained restoration. Only TruAbutment scan bodies allow us to fabricate reliable screw retained bridges digitally. Please request and use a TruAbutment scan body to be able to do Ti non-engaging, custom, and/or ASC abutments. 
    5. Additional Details - Include any additional details regarding the occlusion, shade, abutment, margins, etc.
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