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Impression copings for Straumann tissue level implants: any issues?

Last Updated: Feb 18, 2018

Has anyone had either good or bad experiences trying to take an impression of Straumann tissue level implants using Straumann impression copings?

I just completed a case of a 46 implant (lower right first molar) with limited access. I found the Straumann plastic snap-on impression copings inaccurate.

After the first impression I attached the implant replica to the plastic components in the impression and the implant replica rotated slightly. I retook the impression with a new plastic snap on and heavy body impression material. I inserted the implant replica into the plastic implant transfer components and everything seemed solid. However the crown that was made was rotated and would not seat.

Next I used a metal closed tray impression coping. I managed to get an accurate impression and the crown seated well. However I found the metal coping not to be as stable when placed into the implant as I am accustomed to with other internal connection implants that I have used. The portion of the impression coping that fits into the implant seems shallower than those of other brands of implants I have used and didn’t seem to be as stable when I was trying to position it prior to screwing it in.

Note: I have used snap-on transfers before and some could have even been a Straumann implant without trouble. The implant in this case was well placed and the implant margin was supragingival and the snap-on fit well (rotated on the implant prior to inserting the second stabilizing component fully into the implant).

Is it just me or have others had this issue with plastic snap-on copings on Straumann implants or snap-on copings for other implant systems?

7 Comments on Impression copings for Straumann tissue level implants: any issues?

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Dr J

2/19/2018

Well, the snap-on impression copings really are controversial, some people love them and some people hate them. Personally, I don't trust them too much. They have to be brand new, straight from the packing to the mouth. It's not safe to reuse them. I only use the closed tray tissue level copings on supragengival cases (like yours) and with patients that don't have a really thick and strong gingiva. I think another issue is the impression material you are using. Dense materials like putty may interfere and dislodge the coping. Whenever I feel anything wrong can happen to the impression coping, I just use the open tray technique.

Jeff Shnall

2/19/2018

Thanks for your response. I also prefer open tray impressions when I have the access.

NYOMS

2/19/2018

When you took the original impression did you use both the red and the white piece in the patientâ€™s mouth? The rotation is probably because you only inserted the white piece into the patientâ€™s mouth and then inserted the red piece into the impression after you removed it from the patientâ€™s mouth. This will throw off the rotation of the implant crown.

Dr. Jeffrey K

2/19/2018

Thanks for your response. I inserted the red piece fully into the white piece and the combined unit did not rotate on the implant when I checked it. I think it would be impossible to put the red insert into the impression once the impression is taken as the white snap on would be full of impression material. I have years of experience with implants and used the components as directed as far as I can tell and they failed. I am thinking that there is play in between the plastic components and the implant replica that throws off capturing the proper moment of rotation of the implant...

2/19/2018

I had similar experience on the same tooth number. Also in another case the screw of final insertion broke and Straumann took two years to cover it under warranty. I do not trust their warranty any longer.

Timothy C Carter

2/20/2018

Straumann plastic snap copings have 2 pieces which in my opinion is 1 too many moving parts. I donâ€™t like to recommend mixing parts but Blue Sky Bio makes a compatible product that is only 1 piece, easier to use, and much cheaper. The BSB metal transfer is nice too. Just a suggestion

Jeff

2/20/2018

Thanks...i will look into that.

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