A Clinical Report on the Use of Closed-Tray, Hex-Lock-Friction-Fit Implant Impression Copings
The precision of an impression determines the subsequent accuracy and fit of the final restoration. Therefore, the ultimate search is for the most accurate impression material and the most efficient and least time consuming technique. One of the major debates in implant dentistry has focused on the advantages of the pick-up versus the transfer impression technique. The pick-up technique is widely accepted as the more accurate. However, the conventional transfer technique is simpler and less time consuming. The Hex-Lock-Friction-Fit impression coping (AB Dental Devices) combines the advantages of the transfer impression technique and the pick-up impression technique. In this article we will review the relevant literature, discuss the advantages of this unique implant impression technique, and present some related clinical cases.
Figure 1. Hex-Lock-Friction-Fit impression copings demonstrating the wide and standard platforms at different lengths (AB Dental Devices). Figure 2. Intraoral view of the 2 lengths of Hex-Lock-Friction-Fit impression copings (AB Dental Devices). Figure 3. Occlusal view of pretreatment porcelain fused to metal fixed partial denture. Note the solder joint fracture between teeth 31 and 41. Figure 4. Short-length Hex-Lock-Friction-Fit impression copings in place. Figure 5. Short-length Hex-Lock-Friction-Fit impression copings in place. Figure 6. Panoramic radiograph after placement of the 6 endosseous implants.
Figure 7. Intraoral view showing the healing after 10 weeks. Patient is ready for impression. Figure 8. Demonstration of the limitation of using a conventional pick-up impression coping in the posterior segment in this case. Figure 9. Right-side view of q conventional pick-up impression coping and 2 short-length Hex-Lock-Friction-Fit impression copings. Figure 10. Closed-tray pick-up impression of the Hex-Lock-Friction-Fit impression copings. Figure 11. Closed-tray pick-up impression showing the attachment of the implant analogues in place.
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