OsseoNews.com is pleased to offer this interview with Dr. Vitali Bondar on the new KAT Dental Implant System.

OsseoNews.com (ON):
Can you give us some background on the KAT Implant System? Who developed it and when? What specifically prompted the creation of the KAT Implant System?

Dr. Bonder:
The basic concept of the system behind the KAT Implant system is not new. Thomas Driskell (Bicon implant developer) was the first to suggest the use of an external locking taper connection. The external locking taper connection systems that followed had three common limitations –locking taper was activated with a hammer; hex was positioned on top of a locking taper post; accurate implant level impression was not possible.

The idea that led to the KAT System development came to me in 2006. I liked the locking taper concept but wanted to make it more user-friendly, accurate and predictable. Since 2006 we have been working on adding new features to the original design. Implants available for sale are 2.5mm, 3.0mm, 3.5mm, 4.3mm and 5.0mm implants. Shortest length is 6mm. A single Locator abutment is scheduled for release in about 3 months; it will fit all implants of KAT system. We hope to release non-indexed contoured one-piece abutments, 6.0mm, 7.0mm and 8.0mm implants, 20° angled abutments and one-piece 2.5mm and 3.0mm implants by the end of summer. Our goal is to keep the original platform unchanged and preserve the unique features of KAT system.

ON: Was the KAT Implant System approved for specific indications?

Dr. Bondar:
3.0mm and larger diameter implants are approved by FDA for use in extraction sockets and for immediate loading. KAT 2.5mm is approved for “transitional and long-term applications, such as providing support for transitional or long term crowns, bridges and dentures”. The use of mini implants is on the rise but no other system is allowing the use of standard abutments (up to 6.5mm diameter) with mini implants, let alone the ability to take an accurate implant level open tray impression and the ability to use cementless waterproof connection between the implant and abutment. KAT 2.5mm implant is positioned very well to fill this gap in the market.

ON: What do you feel are the main advantages of the KAT Implant System?

Dr. Bondar:
There are quite a few unique advantages.

1. The strength of the implant is quite impressive. Because the implant has a solid body it can withstand much higher forces than conventional two-piece implants. KAT 3.5mm implant can withstand 425 N of force over 5 million cycles at 30° angle – about 20% higher than NobelActive 4.3mm implant (355 N). Practitioners may use 3.5mm implants to replace molars if bone quality is D1-D2.

2. KAT implant/abutment interface is hermetically sealed to water penetration. This was proven in an experiment during which implants with attached abutments were placed in an ultrasonic bath of dyed water and sonicated for 30 minutes. There was no evidence of dye penetration inside the abutment chamber.

3. True Single Platform^TM, starting from 2.5mm and up to 5.0mm implants, is probably the most visible feature of KAT Implant System. No other system can provide this benefit to their customers.

4. Implant surface area is very large due to aggressive threads (0.5mm deep in 4.3 and 5.0mm implants) and fins combination. This combination allows us to use implants as short as 6mm and recommend the use of 3.5mm implant in posterior region. Apically converging fins allow easier insertion of implants and increased primary stability.

5. Excellent primary stability can be achieved in most implant cases due to a tapered apical portion, aggressive threads and a unique combination of aggressive threads and apically converging fins. KAT implants can also be used in two-stage surgery since the implant post is only 3.5mm long and the implant shoulder can be placed 2+mm below the bone crest. Healing abutment and cover screw can be attached upon implant uncovering.

6. HALT^TM – Healing Abutment Level Temporization technique is a very easy and inexpensive ($25.00) way to provide patients with a durable restoration while preserving soft tissue health around the implant.

7. Pick-up Abutment^TM impression method is the only way to accurately transfer position of an implant to a working cast, create the final restoration and insure that the abutment will be placed back on the implant in the same vertical and horizontal position. Systems with conical fit allow some sliding between components and are inherently not stable in a vertical plane. Discrepancy in size between the implant and implant analog, and between the abutment and impression coping can’t be addressed by existing implant level impression methods.

ON:
Can the system be used by general dentists, or is this a system mainly for oral surgeons and other specialists?

Dr. Bondar:
The KAT System can be used by a specialist or a general dentist. Taking a free training course at our facility would definitely help the practitioner to learn specific features of KAT system. Readers can find out more at: www.katimpants.com

ON: Why should clinicians make the switch to the KAT Implant System or at least make it part of their treatment armortarium?

Dr. Bondar:
KAT Implant System is a great choice for a clinician who is interested in a bacteria-proof implant/abutment interface system, wants to minimize implant fractures, wants to use smaller diameter or shorter implants, and is excited about the ability to use the same restorative components and instrumentation on mini as well as large diameter implants. KAT System is still evolving, new products, such as one-piece 2.5 and 3.0mm implants, non-indexed and 20° angled abutments are being developed, but two things will not change – KAT True Single Platform^TM and commitment to our customers.

ON: What kinds of studies have you done to support the performance of the KAT Implant System?

Dr. Bondar:

We conducted several tests as part of 510(k) process.

Implant Fatigue Strength test showed that KAT 3.5mm implant can withstand 425 N of force over 5 million cycles. Test was done by an independent lab according to FDA protocol.

Implant Insertion Torque Test showed that KAT implants will not distort if placed at torque levels up to 100 Ncm (recommended torque application is up to 70 Ncm).

Locking Taper Activation with 15 Ncm of Torque Test confirmed that 15 Ncm is equivalent to Bicon tapping protocol.

KAT Implant Key/Abutment Weld Strength Test revealed that the weld can withstand over 30 Ncm of torque – far more than needed to remove seated abutment from the implant.

KAT Implant Locking Taper Connection Accuracy Test showed that connection between KAT implants and abutments is can be reproduced to within 10 microns of vertical slide if the same torque value was used during locking taper activation. We were very surprised by this level of accuracy.

And, finally, Dye Penetration Test confirmed that the torque activated connection between KAT abutments and implants is hermetic to penetration of dyed water. Implants with attached abutments were sonicated in ultrasonic for 30 minutes under 5 inches of dyed water. None of the parts showed penetration of dye (enclosed cotton pellets remained dry and were not stained).

ON: Are you offering any training on the KAT Implant System?

Dr. Bondar:
KAT Implants is currently offering monthly free one-day training course at our facility in Portsmouth, NH. Course includes a live surgery observation. Free surgical kit and 3 implants will be given to all participants at the completion of a course.

For more information, please visit http://www.katimplants.com/ or call us at: 603-427-0084