Kingsport, TN
As a dental practitioner, you strive to provide the best quality care for your patients. With the increase in demand for dental implants, your office must prepare through extensive coursework and training for diagnostics, techniques, surgical skills, and proper tool setup. Even though a mountain of information outlines clinical protocols and surgical methods, many fail to address the tools and setup necessary for successful dental implant procedures. Therefore, our dental lab experts at Premier Dental Arts share on the blog today seven essential tools for a smooth digital implant procedure so that you can provide the best care to patients.
Prepare the Room Properly
Sterile treatment rooms should be cleaned according to OSHA standards and clutter-free. Between each appointment, wipe down chairs, counters, monitors, and working spaces with CaviCide, CaviWipes, or another sterile cleaning solution or wipe. Additionally, place sterile drapes on countertops and fasten them in place, including underneath the implant drill kit, implant machine, or surgical cassette.
Our dental lab pros explain that wearing sterile gloves while preparing the surgical kit, implant machine, drill, and sterile tubing is crucial to prevent contamination. Doctors, technicians, and patients should wear sterile gowns, safety glasses, and bouffant caps. Additionally, all dental team members must wear sterile gloves while in the treatment room.
The 7 Necessary Tools
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Setup
The basic dental instrument setup should include two cotton pliers, a hemostat and suction holder, two dental mirrors, surgical scissors, a plastic or metal periodontal probe, retractors, and scalpels.
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Drill Kit
A complete drill kit will include parallel pins, adapters, screw taps, drills, torque wrenches, implant carriers, and hand drivers. Our experienced dental lab techs recommend arranging the drills in order based on the necessary sequence needed to address the implant diameter. Before placing implants using a surgical guide, check the drill keys to ensure a proper fit. We also recommend having extra fixation pins and several drill sets that have varying sleeve diameters in case complications arise.
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Surgical Handpiece and Motor
A sterile Monoject syringe is necessary for sterile saline irrigation. Additionally, prepare the sterile saline pump and tubing included with the implant motor and headpiece for external and internal irrigation.
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Tissue Punch Kit
A tissue punch kit allows access to the implant site without extensive surgical trauma. Also, our professional dental lab techs recommend preparing a large serrated curette and microblade scalpel to remove the tissue plug covering the implant site.
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Digital Caliper
A digital caliper is an electronic device that measures and reconfirms drill stop lengths.
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Basins and Garbage Bag
Before the procedure, set up three sterile basins or cups near the surgical area for saline, water, or sharp objects. Also, prepare a small garbage bag to dispose of used gauze and other waste materials.
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Anesthetic
Although the appropriate anesthetic for your patient can vary, preparing Septocaine, Lidocaine, Marcaine, and Carbocaine can reduce procedure interruptions and create a smooth patient experience.
Your patient’s perception of a successful procedure will depend on their experience during the dental implant process and how you approach their care after treatment. Therefore, it’s vital to review the patient’s home care regimen and post-operative instructions. Your patients should leave your practice with prescriptions or medication, sterile gauze, and ice packs to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Premier Dental Arts
Providing a smooth dental implant experience can dramatically impact patient loyalty to the practice. Therefore, it’s important to properly prepare and have the essential tools ready when your patient arrives for their appointment. If you have questions about the tools listed above or need assistance obtaining them, please contact our experienced dental lab, Premier Dental Arts, by calling (888) 732-5221.