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Clinical Tip: Sealing the Abutment Screw Access Opening
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OVERVIEW Discover a unique alternative to cotton pellets for covering and protecting the heads of abutment screws prior to sealing the access openings in this issue's Clinical Tip from Dr. Burton Melton. View clinical images demonstrating the simple technique and see it in action when you watch the video.
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A. Burton Melton, DDS
Private Practice
Santa Fe & Albuquerque, N.M.
505-883-7744
www.santafeperiodontics.com
abmeltonnm@aol.com |
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| Dr. Burton Melton has practiced dentistry in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, N.M., since 1972. He received his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University, his DDS from Baylor College of Dentistry and his Diploma in Prosthodontics from the University of Missouri School of Dentistry. He has lectured in the U.S., Japan, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan and England. He has also appeared as a guest lecturer at dental schools across the U.S. |
PAGE 1 OF 1 Introduction
Numerous materials, such as cotton pellets, polyvinyl siloxane and gutta-percha, have been used in implant dentistry over the years to cover the heads of abutment screws prior to sealing the access openings. During a recent discussion on the subject, several of my British colleagues suggested using Teflon tape. This material provides several advantages:
- It can easily be packed.
- It covers and seals the area above the head of the abutment screw.
- It will not act like a sponge, unlike a cotton pellet.
- It can easily be removed if the abutment screw needs to be accessed.
The cases that follow show how Teflon tape can be used to cover and protect the head of an abutment screw under a cemented crown and a screw-retained crown. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best!
Case 1 Photos: Cemented Crown
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Case 2 Photos: Screw-Retained Crown
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
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