Implant Analog Mis-Transfer
Posted on 06/17/2011
Among the most frustrating situations that arises in implant dentistry is an implant model mistransfer - where the master model has the position of one or more implant analogs different than the actual implant positions in in the mouth.
Unfortunately, this mistranfer is sometimes not realized until the framework is already made, and when multiple implants are involved, trouble shooting such a case can be quite challenging. If you have had this experience as a practioner, we highly recommend the following steps to ensure proper transfer:
- Open tray impression copings are typically much more accurate than closed tray. If possible, try to use the open tray technique as it does not require the removal of the impression coping from the impression
- If using the closed tray impression technique, after impressioning, take the impression coping and attach it to the implant analog. Then place the impression coping into the impression in the correct position. This ensures that the lab does not need to take out the impression coping before pouring the model.
- If you do not have the implant analog and your using the closed tray technique, just try placing the closed tray impression coping into the impression and make sure it "locks" into position and is not moving. Any movement will cause a mis-transfer.
- Lastly, we recommend to take an X ray before removing the impression coping. This will allow you to see if the impression coping fully engaged the implant when impressioning.
Unfortunately, this mistranfer is sometimes not realized until the framework is already made, and when multiple implants are involved, trouble shooting such a case can be quite challenging. If you have had this experience as a practioner, we highly recommend the following steps to ensure proper transfer:
- Open tray impression copings are typically much more accurate than closed tray. If possible, try to use the open tray technique as it does not require the removal of the impression coping from the impression
- If using the closed tray impression technique, after impressioning, take the impression coping and attach it to the implant analog. Then place the impression coping into the impression in the correct position. This ensures that the lab does not need to take out the impression coping before pouring the model.
- If you do not have the implant analog and your using the closed tray technique, just try placing the closed tray impression coping into the impression and make sure it "locks" into position and is not moving. Any movement will cause a mis-transfer.
- Lastly, we recommend to take an X ray before removing the impression coping. This will allow you to see if the impression coping fully engaged the implant when impressioning.
