Written by Andrew Sedler
Implant restorations are nothing new to dentistry. In fact, implants have become a mainstay of many dental practices.The primary method (not to mention more complicated and technique sensitive way) to create models for lab fabrication of implant restorations has been a conventional impression, and the use of a pick-up of impression copings. However, there is ----a simpler and more efficient way which is revolutionizing (and coincidentally make things easier and more precise) the implant restorative discipline. Today there is an increasing number of implant cases that are being done digitally.
Digital impressions were first introduced in 1987, and they have been gaining an increasing number of dentists using Intra-Oral Scanner IOS systems, with over 20 % of dentists owning a system. It wasn’t until 2004 when scannable healing abutments became available and then scan bodies in 2010. Ever since then the adaptation of digital impressions for implant restorations has also been gaining in usage. Today the use of IOS systems for use in the fabrication of implant restorations has become very efficient and reliably accurate.
The whole dental industry has been learning how to best use digital dentistry tools. This is especially true in the area of dental implant restorations. It is critically important to coordinate with your lab as you prepare to begin scanning for the purpose of creating implant restorations.
There are several specific things to discuss with the lab so that you can achieve the most successful results with your digital implant restorations.
Before you invest in scan bodies, confirm which scan bodies the lab can service and which scan bodies give you the most restorative flexibility.
In order for a lab to use your IOS scan, they must have access to the file library for that particular scan body. The library files contain the attributes of the scan bodies which allows the design software to position the implant analog into the digital model.
It is important to understand what your choices are when it comes to restorative options. Does the lab have alternatives to brand name interfaces? For example, Burbank Dental Lab offers FDA approved Smart1 implant restorations that are incredibly accurate and carry a warranty as good if not better than most implant companies. Discuss with the lab which options they offer and the results that they have experienced with each option.
You should also discuss which restorative prosthesis options the lab has available. Not all classes of restorations are always available digitally. For example, if you want a final restoration that is a full arch prosthesis, make sure that the lab is capable of fabricating that type of restoration from a digital scan.
Burbank Dental Lab is capable of fabricating virtually any category of restoration from a quality digital scan. However, not all scans are equal. An experienced digital clinician is likely to be very successful with a full mouth prosthesis restoration from a digital scan. It is still essential to use a verification jig prior to beginning the final prosthesis, to confirm both the scan and the 3D printed model.
Burbank Dental Lab has many options available. You can choose from our proprietary brand Smart1® Implant Restorations, or any "Original" part restorations.
Most restorations are available for every major implant platform. It is always advisable to confirm which restorations are available before placement of the implants to verify that the lab can fabricate what you have planned for treatment.
It is all about communicating with your lab. Many dental labs are adapting to this new technology; however, not all labs are capable of receiving digital files at this time. Burbank Dental Lab started our journey in 2010, at the very beginning of the digital implant origins. We have learned and evolved as the industry has evolved. Working as a team, Burbank Dental Lab can assist you in the creation of implant restorations that will more than exceed your expectations.
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