Impressions in implant dentistry.

UNLABELLED

Accurate impressions provide a foundation for successful implant prosthodontics. This paper is aimed at the general dental practitioner (GDP) who would like to start restoring dental implants and demystifies the terminology, introduces the basic armamentarium and discusses the relative merits of different implant impression techniques. Detailed, step-by-step instructions for making impressions using the closed and open tray techniques are provided and the importance of verification jigs are highlighted.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A successful restoration is dependent upon proper planning and meticulous clinical processes. An understanding of impression techniques is therefore fundamental for the GDP wishing to restore implant-supported prostheses.

OBJECTIVES

The reader should be familiar with different implant components and understand the impression techniques used in implant dentistry.