Simplifying digital implant prosthetics

Digital technologies have enabled simplified and predictable protocols for interdisciplinary treatment planning, surgical placement and prosthetic implant rehabilitation. This case study highlights how to use the TRIOS intraoral scanner and 3Shape scan bodies, and seamlessly transfer the digital data to 3Shape Dental System software for the design process of the final restoration.

By Dr Anthony Mak

Case information

This case study describes a prosthodontic restoration of the lower right first premolar (tooth 44) with a screw-retained, implant-supported crown. Planning was driven by TRIOS implant scanning, software and 3Shape scan bodies.

Clinical phase of treatment

Upon completion of the eight-to-12-week, post-surgery healing phase and the integration of the fixture, a master digital impression using the TRIOS implant scan strategy was performed.

In this scan strategy (Figs. 1-6), the following sequence of digital scans was taken:

1. A pre-preparation scan with the healing abutment in situ

2. An emergence profile scan taken immediately after the healing abutment was removed to record gingival contours around the implant before any collapse of the tissues

3. The scan body scan

All other prosthodontic records including the bite registration and the opposing arch were also captured with the intraoral scanner. The data were then sent to the ceramist through the 3Shape Communicate portal for the fabrication of the screw-retained crown.

Laboratory fabrication of the final prosthesis

A direct access screw-retained crown (Lithium Disilicate crown to a zirconia abutment with a titanium interface) was then fabricated and the contact and occlusion veriĀ­fied by means of printed models (Figs. 7-8).

The completed prosthesis was then sent back for the restoration to be inserted (Figs. 9-10).

Continue reading here. Published in Dental Asia November/December 2021 issue.

About the author

Dr Anthony Mak graduated with multiple awards from the University of Sydney, Australia, in 2002 and then went on to complete his Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Oral Implants). He is a much sought-after speaker, especially in the field of digital and restorative dentistry, and has lectured extensively in Australia, New Zealand and across Asia. His hands-on workshops have gained such popularity that they are almost always booked out soon after registrations open. He is also gaining great popularity on the International circuit.