Generic Implant Parts for Nobel Biocare Replace Select System
Posted on 06/19/2011
As one of the oldest and most prevalent systems on the market, Nobel Replace Select seems to have and incredible number of generic parts available. These parts, available from companies such as Implant Direct, Diamo Dent, Attachments International and a plethora of smaller implant companies, have their advantages and disadvantages. The chief advantage is the cost difference - generic parts can cost thirty to fifty percent less than brand name parts. This cost can sometimes make or break the profit margin for the dentist - depending on the situation. But the disadvantages can outweigh the cost benefit - chiefly - poor connection interface.
For example, we recently did a case for a Nobel Replace Select 3.5mm implant with generic parts from Implant Direct. The particular abutment provided by the doctor was made by Implant Direct in a way where the tri-lobe interface on the abutment has an extended lobe. However, the analog provided was a Nobel analog. As a result, the abutment does not engage the analog completely. This type of situation, which is not uncommon in Implant Dentistry, is a frustrating situation for all parties - case gets delayed for parts, office staff is frustrated for the need to reschedule because of this delay, and doctor is justifiably frustrated since the parts packaging implies compatibility.
To avoid this situation, we highly recommend that the doctor or the office staff always try to screw the abutment into the implant analog before sending it to the lab. This will ensure that all parts are compatible and help to avoid the inconvenience of implant case delays.
For example, we recently did a case for a Nobel Replace Select 3.5mm implant with generic parts from Implant Direct. The particular abutment provided by the doctor was made by Implant Direct in a way where the tri-lobe interface on the abutment has an extended lobe. However, the analog provided was a Nobel analog. As a result, the abutment does not engage the analog completely. This type of situation, which is not uncommon in Implant Dentistry, is a frustrating situation for all parties - case gets delayed for parts, office staff is frustrated for the need to reschedule because of this delay, and doctor is justifiably frustrated since the parts packaging implies compatibility.
To avoid this situation, we highly recommend that the doctor or the office staff always try to screw the abutment into the implant analog before sending it to the lab. This will ensure that all parts are compatible and help to avoid the inconvenience of implant case delays.
