Control excess occlusal forces on implants

The T-Scan III system is the only diagnostic device on the market that measures occlusal contact force and occlusal contact sequence. Objective data sets T-Scan apart from traditional occlusal indicators. The invaluable information it provides helps to easily diagnose and assess the balance of a patient’s bite. Full-color, 3-D graphics illustrate the forces evolving from first contact through closure, allowing the dentist to prevent general occlusal problems such as pain, gum disease, broken restorations, tooth loss, headaches and TMJ disorder.

In implant dentistry, combining the force and timing information helps to control potentially damaging forces. According to Carl E. Misch, “once the final prosthesis is delivered to the patient, many factors that influence marginal bone loss have already occurred.” At this point, he says, “occlusal overload is one factor most in control of the restorative dentist.”¹

During a complete arch implant prosthesis insertion, computerized occlusal analysis can be used to target regions of excessive force concentrations. This allows you to realign an unbalanced bite that will, under occlusal function, destabilize and torque the prosthesis. In mixed arch dentitions, the T-Scan’s time-sequencing capability ensures implant prostheses are loaded fractions of a second after neighboring natural teeth reach complete occlusal contact. Non-simultaneous contact avoids overloading of the segmental implant prosthesis.

Computer-guided occlusal adjustments better preserve the occlusal materials, abutment screws, all-ceramic abutments and the implant-bone interface, which cannot be accomplished with traditional occlusal indicators.

Dr Chris Stevens published a case report on a patient treated with two implant fixtures. Radiographs revealed significant bone breakdown over time. Once an appropriate occlusal scheme was determined, it became evident that regeneration of the crestal bone was achieved. He concluded that articulating paper did not provide the vital information needed to appropriately prepare his implant prosthesis for long-term success.²

The T-Scan system was recently selected by the Pride Institute for the “Best of Class” technology award in the diagnostic category. The T-Scan has proven to be so useful and accurate that many of the leading dental institutes, such as the Dawson Academy, Productive Dentist Academy, Dr Dick Barnes Group, Esthetic Professionals and others, are incorporating the system into their curriculums.

More information is available from TekScan.

References

Carl E. Misch, Jon B. Suzuki, Francine Misch, and Martha Bidez; A Positive Correlation Between Occlusal Trauma and Peri-implant Bone Loss: Literature Support; Implant Dentistry/ Volume 14, Number 2, 2005

Stevens, Chris: Computerized Occlusal Implant Management, Implant Dentistry Today, May 2007, Vol. 1, No. 2.