Osseointegrated implant location symbol

Osseointegrated implant location symbol J o h n W. M c C a r t n e y , D.D.S.* Triplet Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hi. When recording data or relating information to a fellow health care provider regarding a specific implant, tissues in the immediate vicinity of a specific implant, or abutments and connectors associated with the implant, it is often necessary to use several sentences or a paragraph to describe exactly the implant to which you are referring. Other authors have suggested classification nomenclature regarding the implant site as to the quality of bone or resorption pattern.i, 2 However, there is a need to have a specific symbol that can be used to designate an individual implant by its location within the maxillae or mandible.

The views or opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Army. *Colonel, U.S. Army, DC; Chief of Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthetics. 10/4/20559

DESCRIPTION

OF LOCATING SYMBOL

A symbol consisting of two parallel vertical lines bisected by one horizontal line (Fig. 1) with an X or a number placed within one of the six compartments will provide a symbol that designates implant location. Each of the six compartments represents a specific portion of the maxillary or mandibular arch (Fig. 2). An X placed in the upper center compartment produces a symbol for a location in the maxillary midline (Fig. 3). The mandibular midline location is similarly noted in Fig. 4. Implant locations in one of the remaining four designated anatomic regions are identified by a number representing their numeric sequence with respect to midline proximity (Fig. 5).

SUMMARY Symbolic implant location identification will accurately describe in an abbreviated, concise manner the specific location of reference. Use of the symbol conveniently simplifies record documentation, data tabulation, and professional correspondence.

X I

Fig. 1. Implant location symbol. Fig. 3. Implant location symbol for maxillary midline.

Maxillary

Maxillary

MQxillary

Right

Midline

Left

Mandibular Mandibular MandibulQr Left Midline Right Fig. 2. Symbol compartments designating specific portion of each arch.

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X Fig. 4. Implant location symbol for mandibular midline.

J U N E 1991

VOLUME 65

NUMBER 6

TIPS FROM OUR READERS

i

Fig. 5. A, Panoramic radiograph with implant location symbol identifying implant that is second from midline in maxillary right side of arch. B, Intraoral occlusal view with implant location symbol identifying prosthesis crown form that is attached to implant second from midline in maxillary right side of arch. C, Intraoral view of abutment attached to implant third from midline in mandibular left side of arch.

REFERENCES 1. Branemark P, Zarb G, Albrektsson T. Tissue integrated prosthesis: osseointegration in clinical dentistry. Chicago: Quintessence Publ Co, 1985;199-208. 2. Jensen O. Site classification for the osseointegrated implant. J PROSTHET DENT 1989;61:228-34.

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