How to ID and Treat Vintage Style Implant?

Last Updated: Nov 04, 2019

I was wondering if someone could give me some advice on how to treat this case. A 70 year old female patient otherwise healthy, non-smoker, wishes to have two implants on the lower arch to support her future new lower denture. At this point implant number 27 had been removed and the area had been curetted for further bone augmentation pending CT scan for which she is scheduled. I also was hesitant to place a graft immediately after removal of the implant due to infection. I would like to know what would be a way to identify the implant system that was used so that I could use implant #22 with Locator to support her left side. I was also wondering if it becomes impossible to trace the manufacturer for parts or support, since according to her, the implants were inserted about 30yrs ago, would there be a dental lab that can make custom Locator abutment/screw in order to restore the left side. Please note that I was able preserve her implant #27 after extraction in case there would be a need to identify or to make custom hardware. Thank you and your help in this matter is greatly appreciated.

11 Comments on How to ID and Treat Vintage Style Implant?

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Lawrence N Wallace DDS

11/04/2019

It appears to be a Calcitek HA coated implant from the 80's

Dr. Gerald Rudick

11/04/2019

From the panorex supplied, it appears that both implants are failing, and forget about using them....remove both of them. There is ample room to place three new implants, place healing collars, relieve her lower denture and apply a soft reline material which will give her retention during the healing phase...and after four months use what ever parts you need to secure the denture.

Dr Idrissi

11/04/2019

I think this is the best way to manage this case

Raul Mena

11/04/2019

We are in total agreement, 3 implants with O-Rings and I may do some Tunnel Grafting at the crest to prevent further bone breakdown that will create nerve damage in the future. Small tunnel grafting with HA will preserve the ridge.

Dr Dale Gerke, BDS, BScDe

11/04/2019

I agree. Best to totally remove and start again. The patient is 70 so it is probable she will live another 10-20 years. That being the case, trying to keep the existing implant in place for that duration is not likely and the residual infection will likely compromise any new implant. Conversely if you start again, it is entirely reasonable to think that any new implants with most likely out survive the patient. Plus the lower cost and higher quality of any new implant attachments/abutments will more than justify such a treatment plan.

Jay

11/04/2019

It seems either Zimmer Calcitek or IMTEC Cylinder implants. If IMTEC cylinder, you might not be able to get parts for the implants.

John Carbery

11/04/2019

Darwin--no longer --with Attachments International based in the Burlingame area of California was able to ID any and all implants---where are you Darwin now???--a great resource--an invaluable resource and a friend of dentistry.

Alfdel

11/04/2019

If you want a locator to fit the implant, send a good x ray to Preet. They will identify it and of course sell you the appropriate locator for it.

Howard Steinberg DMD,MDS

11/04/2019

It looks like a standard Calcitek Integral. Even if it is not it is a standard flat top which worked fine with bars but to use it for a locator, it will come loose fairly quickly(can't really get it to torque like and internal or external implant). So even more reason to remove the other implant and start over.

Ed Dergosits

11/05/2019

Likely Calcitek but does it really matter? The implants need to be removed.

Evan Tetelman

11/05/2019

Definitely a Calcitek fixture. May or may not be HA. Not be simple to remove the bone growth through the base hole might lead to fracture od the cylinder when you torque it. If they are loose get them out and place aome new fixtures. You patient is too young to mess around.

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