References

Lee H, So JS, Hochstedler JL, Ercoli C. The accuracy of implant impressions: a systematic review. J Prosthet Dent. 2008; 100:285-291 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3913(08)60208-5
Papaspyridakos P, Chen CJ, Gallucci GO Accuracy of implant impressions for partially and completely edentulous patients: a systematic review. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2014; 29:836-845 https://doi.org/10.11607/jomi.3625

Making an open-tray implant or abutment-level impression technique easier

From Volume 48, Issue 7, July 2021 | Pages 592-593

Authors

Javed Ikram

BDS, FDSRCPS(Glas), FDSRCS(Eng) DipRestDentRCS(Eng) DipOMFS(Manc), PGD(Orthodontics)

Senior Clinical Teacher in Oral Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Manchester, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester M15 6FH, UK

Articles by Javed Ikram

Nabeel Essa

BDS, GDP

Aesthetic Dental Solutions, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire

Articles by Nabeel Essa

Abstract

Various methods exist for taking implant impressions. The open-tray or pick-up impression technique is one of the conventional methods for transferring the impression coping from the implant to the impression. In this method, a window directly above the implant is made in a stock or custom tray to allow access to the impression coping. Traditionally, the window is either left open, or closed with melted wax or foil. This technique tip describes a modification to create a stable and secure seal over the opening using rayon-based adhesive tapes. The benefits of this modification over the conventional open-tray technique are due to the enhanced adhesive quality of the materials to metal or plastic. Because there is less chance of impression material leaking from the tray window into the mouth, it is more comfortable for patients and less messy for clinicians. The benefit of this method over the closed-tray technique is the ability to feel for the head of the impression coping at the same time as making sure the impression material is in good contact with the underlying structures. It is easy to use, and efficient in terms of time and cost.

Article

The techniques for transferring information from the clinical scenario to the laboratory are based on commonly used conventional impressions and digital impression techniques. These can be grouped as follows:

The open-tray technique uses an impression coping that is picked up with the impression, whereas the closed-tray technique relies on the clinician or technician to re-insert the impression coping back into the impression after it has been removed from the patient's mouth.1 The re-insertion of the coping, including any angulation factors on pick up, can produce errors in either the pick-up stage or during reseating. The open-tray impression technique has been shown in a systematic review to be more accurate than the closed-tray in all except partially edentulous patients (where there was no difference).2

The standard open-tray impression technique involves sealing the tray opening with wax or using sticky wax to seal foil over the opening. As wax does not always adhere very well to tray material, a common problem is the wax coming away, causing extrusion of the impression material into the mouth. This new technique (Figures 19), however, uses a novel, yet simple, process of using a 100% non-woven rayon with a layer of acrylic adhesive tape DAM-it (Danville, California USA; Figure 10) or 3M medical tapes (3M, Minnesota, USA; Figure 11), which are latex free and hypoallergenic, to create a stable and secure seal over the opening. In the authors' opinion, owing to its adhesive quality on metal or plastic, it is simple to place. The adhesion is improved the firmer it is pressed against the tray material.

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