Continued from Part 1

Components of implants

Implant

Implant is the endosteal (within bone) material that is placed within the bone during stage 1 dental implant surgery. It is either titanium or titanium alloy, with or without hydroxyapatite coating.

Cover screw

A screw is placed in the implant during the healing phase after stage 1 surgery. This crew is usually to facilitate easy suturing of the soft tissue over the implant. At stage 2 dental implant procedure screw is removed and replaced with subsequent components.

Healing cap

Healing cap is a dome-shaped screw that is placed after stage 2 surgery and before prosthesis placement. The cap may be made out of resin, such as polyoxyethylene, or one of the titanium metals.

Abutment

Abutment is that component of the implant system that screws directly into the implant. The abutment will eventually directly support the prosthesis. It is smooth, polished straight-sided titanium. The length may range from 1 to 10 millimeters.

Impression post

The impression post facilitates the transfer of intra oral location of fixture or abutment to a similar position in the laboratory cast. Impression post is then removed from the mouth and joined to the lab analogue before being transferred into the impression.

Laboratory analog

Laboratory analog is a component machined to exactly represent either the implant or the abutment in lab cast.

Waxing sleeve

Waxing sleeve is attached to the abutment by the prosthesis=retaining screw on a lab model. Waxing sleeve will eventually become a part of the prosthesis. It may be a plastic pattern that is burned out inside the investment and replaced by a cast precious alloy.

Prosthesis-retained screw

Prosthesis-retaining screw penetrates the fixed restoration and secures it to the abutment. In non-segmented restorations the screw tightens the abutment directly to implant. The screw can be made of titanium, titanium alloy, or gold alloy.

Implant material

Titanium

Titanium is the best material available at present. It oxidizes in the atmosphere to form an inert surface layer of titanium oxide. It has good mechanical properties. Other materials – niobium, hydroxyapatite are well-tolerated.  Hydroxyapatite can be used as coating which is osteoinductive. Aluminum oxides, cobalt-chrome, molybdenum ad stainless steels are less tolerated.

Examination of implant site

Clinical examination

Visual inspection and palpation is done to check for flabby excess tissue, narrow bony ridges, sharp underlying ridges and undercuts.

Radiographic examination

• Orthopantomograph (OPG) – to assess vertical bone height,
• Lateral cephalometric film – width of front upper jaw and lower jaw,
• CT scan – to locate inferior alveolar canal and upper jaw sinus and to evaluate ridge form

Study casts

Duplicates can be used for diagnostic wax-up so that the tooth position can be planned. A template can be made with indicator holes drilled as an aid to the surgeon so that the implants are placed in optimal position.

Principles of dental implant surgery

First surgical phase (implant placement)

Under local anesthesia the dentist places dental implants into the jaw bone with a very precise surgical procedure. The implant remains covered by gum tissue while fusing to the jaw bone.

Second surgical phase (implant uncover)

The length of time necessary to achieve integration varies from site to site. After satisfactory integration of implant uncovering of implant is done to attach the abutment to it with preservation of attached tissues.

Prosthetic phase

Once the gums have healed, an implant crown is fabricated and screwed down to the implant.

Post operative care

Implant survival depends on proper and timely home care and maintenance. The goal of implant maintenance is to eradicate microbial population. Recall visits should be scheduled at least every 3 months for the first year. The area surrounding the implant should be removed of calculus by using plastic or wooden scalers. A rubber cup with low abrasive polishing paste or tin oxide may be used to polish implant abutments.

Points to be evaluated during recall:

• Mobility of implant,
• bleeding,
• framework fit,
• occlusion

Problems involved in dental implants placement

• Improper angulation of implant
• Improper position of implant
• Perforation of maxillary sinus
• Perforation of inferior alveolar canal
• Dehiscence (splitting up) of bucco-cortical or linguo-cortical bone plate
• Lower jaw fracture (in case of thin lower jaw)
• Soft tissue wound dehiscence

Criteria for success of implants

• The individual unattached implant is immobile when tested clinically
• No evidence of peri-implant radiolucency is present as assessed on an undistorted radiograph
• The mean vertical bone loss should be less than 0.02mm annually after the first year of service
• No persistent pain, discomfort or infection is attributable to implants
• The implant design does not preclude placement of a crown or prosthesis with an appearance that is satisfactory to the individual and the dentist.