Each year we see jumps in implant technology and increased implant usage among general dentists. We checked in with Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz (a prosthodontist), Dr. Justin Moody (whose practice is dedicated to implants), and Dr. Chris Salierno (a general dentist) to see how they’re using dental implants these days.
Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD
1. What implant systems do you most commonly place?
I “only” restore implants. I most frequently restore Straumann or Zimmer Biomet implants.
2. What features of those systems do you enjoy?
When I bought my practice, I met with my periodontist and he frequently placed Straumann implants. I met with the rep and there were some features that I particularly appreciated. First, my local rep is awesome! He always makes himself available and is incredibly helpful if I need parts in a pinch. My rep will show up for surgeries and is engaged with the success of both me and my periodontist.
Second, the system is simple and precise. I prefer to keep my restorative designs as simple as possible, and Straumann has solutions for all of my restorative needs. Having said that, when I am restoring a case that is not Straumann, many other implant systems have excellent parts that allow the flexibility that my lab and I need.
Third, I like the star-shaped driver. I have never stripped a Straumann screw. (I’m knocking on wood as I say this.) Unfortunately, I cannot say that about some other systems.
Lastly, the newer implant surfaces allow me to load implants sooner. I really like the ability to create a custom healing abutment or an immediate or early implant provisional to start supporting and contouring the tissue.
3. How are you using digital technology to improve your implant workflow?
I work with my periodontist to plan cases using digital technology. I appreciate the flexibility of having a surgical guide fabricated, or I sometimes convert my radiographic template to a surgical guide. My lab also uses digital technology: they will design a case via digital technology and share the design with me before moving forward to a definitive abutment or restoration.
Justin D. Moody, DDS
1. What implant systems do you most commonly place?
BioHorizons dental implant systems have been my choice for the last 10 years.
2. What features of these systems drew you them?
Initially, the internal tapered design with the aggressive buttress thread pattern drew me to
BioHorizons. What has impressed me over the years is the company’s
innovation backed by science. I now use the tapered internal system. BioHorizons has a full line of biologic products to complement its implant line. They are simple to use and offer a full range of prosthetic solutions for any case.
3. How are you using digital technology to improve your implant workflow?
We are using the Acteon Trium CBCT along with the 3Shape Trios intraoral scanner for the fabrication of surgical guides, immediate provisional restorations, and final restorations—all made at Prosmiles Dental Studios. With this digital workflow we can minimize the number of visits needed while enhancing the surgical and restorative outcomes needed for long-term clinical success.
Chris Salierno, DDS
1. What implant systems do you most commonly place?
I rely on my periodontist and oral surgeon colleagues to place implants and I restore them. As such, I work with several companies and their various product lines. I definitely have the tackle box of impression copings and drivers. One company I have really enjoyed working with is Neoss.
2. What features of those systems do you enjoy?
Neoss has a simplified, logical restorative line. Aside from its narrowest implant (3.25 mm diameter), all other diameter implants can use the same impression copings and abutments. The impression copings can also easily be converted from open-tray to closed-tray. This has definitely cut down on my inventory and the embarrassing moments of not having the part you need when you need it. They also have prefabricated provisional abutments that mimic the emergence profiles of teeth, which is part of their Esthetiline system. I can quickly create a molar tissue profile with a stock component and then use final abutments with the same contours. Whenever you’re creating an emergence profile, a best practice is to place some topical anesthetic, such as Oraqix (Dentsply Sirona), to make the patient as comfortable as possible.
3. How are you using digital technology to improve your implant workflow?
I recently invested in the Planmeca Emerald scanner. Not only am I using it for routine crown and bridge, but I’ve enjoyed using it with implant scan bodies as well. The Neoss Esthetic Healing Abutments create the emergence profile at the time of surgery, and then I can simply insert a scan peg into the healing abutment. I’m recording the implant position and tissue shape without even removing the healing abutment.
