Identifying an unknown dental implant is a common challenge, but it can be easily overcome with the right knowledge. Our discussion on ‘Implant Identification Characteristics – the connection’ will equip you with the technical concepts necessary to understand the types of connections and acquire the necessary attachments to rehabilitate any implant with confidence. INDEX Type of connection External Hexagon Octagon Internal Connection form Hexagon Octagon Trilobular/ Tri-striated Hexalobular/ Hexa-striated Tetralobular/ Treta-striated Other connections Entry geonetry Internal Chamfer Morse Cone Flat base Especial Internal Thread Metric 1.4 to 2.5 American thread 1-72 UNF 1. TYPE OF CONNECTION In the context of connection, most implants can be classified into two main categories: external and internal connection. However, some special cases fall into the “special” category. This category covers monobloc implants with connections designed for overdentures, immediate loading or with grindable dies. EXTERNAL CONNECTION Within the external connection, the most common shapes are hexagonal and octagonal. Nobel Biocare Branemark, Biomet 3i Externa Straumann Standard Plus Ø3.3 NN, Biotech B.I.S Ø3.6 INTERNAL CONNECTION 1. CONNECTION FORM The “connection shape” plays a crucial role in preventing unwanted micro-movements and rotations between the dental implant and the prosthetic structure. The most common geometries used to be polygonal, such as hexagonal and octagonal. Recently, however, brands have opted for more complex geometries with lobes and grooves, such as trilobular (three lobes), tetralobular (four lobes) and hexalobular (six lobes). It should be noted that on conventional radiographs, the shape of the connection is often not clearly distinguishable; its optimal visualisation is achieved by intraoral photographs or images of the raised crown. Zimmer TSV Klockner Essential Nobel Replace Select, Implant Direct Reactive/ Replan BTI Interna Phibo Aurea Evo 2. ENTRY GEOMETRY The entry geometry plays a key role in ensuring bacterial sealing throughout the life of the implant, as well as absorbing most of the loads transmitted by the prosthetic structure. There are three main types of entry geometry: Bevel, Cone Morse  and Flat Rest. It is important to note that the seal provided by Cone Morse  connections is so effective that, in many cases, a cold weld is made, requiring the use of an extractor to remove the prosthetic structure. This feature is essential for the interpretation of radiographs, and is often clearly distinguishable, especially when the crown has been removed from the implant. 2. INTERNAL THREAD The internal thread of a dental implant is the helical structure located inside it, responsible for securing the connection with the prosthetic structure by means of a screw or threaded abutment. In the field of implants, there are two main types of threads, each following a different standard: The ISO Metric Thread: Standard based on the International System of Units, identified by the letter M followed by the nominal diameter in millimetres. Some common metric threads are M1.4, M1.6, M1.8, M2.0 and M2.5. Unified Fine Pitch Thread: Similar to the ISO metric thread, but with Imperial System of Units dimensions, especially used in the United States. In dental implants, 1-72 UNF, similar to Metric 1.8, is common. IMPLANT EXPLORERS At GT-Medical we have a set of “implant testers” of different connections, to check by yourself the type of connection and its platform diameter. They are available in the following connections: External hexagon Internal hexagon Zimmer type Internal Hexagon Flat Support Internal hexagon Conical connection Internal octagonal Conical Tetralobular Hexalobular In the following LINK you can purchase your “IMPLANT EXPLORERS”.

Millions of implants are placed each year! And yet, it’s common for the patient’s implant passport – which contains necessary identifying data – to be lost. But fear not! This publication will confidently discuss how to identify an implant even when only its geometry, approximate year of implantation, or other distinguishing characteristics are known. RELEVANCE OF IMPLANT IDENTIFICATION Patients often arrive from other clinics without information about their implants, making it difficult to provide appropriate treatment. To offer safe and tailored treatment to each individual, it is crucial to understand the implants they have. However, our blog provides key information on identifying implants, even when precise information about their brand or model is unavailable. PHASE 1: INFORMATION GATHERING WITH PATIENT 1. PERIAPICAL RADIOGRAPHY A clear and straight periapical radiograph provides comprehensive information about the implant, including the shape of the neck, coils, and apex, as well as the condition of the teeth and surrounding bone. Rest assured that this publication provides all the necessary information on periapical radiographs. 2. INTRAORAL PICTURES In cases where radiography is insufficient, intraoral photos provide additional details about the shape of the connection, such as hexagons, octagons, trilobes, etc., and details of the prosthetic system, such as color coding. 3. PHOTOGRAPH OF THE PROSTHESIS OR SCREW Capturing detailed images of the prosthesis and its screw is crucial, particularly in implants with a Cone Morse internal connection. Intraoral photos may not clearly show the details of this connection. A clear photo of the crown and screw provides valuable clues to identify the type of implant. 4. CHECKING ATTACHMENTS To determine compatibility and save time, it is useful to test a standard attachment when information about an implant is limited. At GT-Medical, we offer “Implant Explorers” that serve as connection checkers and provide valuable data on screw metrics. Our Implant Scanners are key chains with Scan Bodies that are compatible with major implant brands. You can purchase them on our online store. 5. CLINIC, PLACE AND YEAR OF IMPLANT PLACEMENT To gather important clues, it is essential to confidently ask the patient for specific information such as the clinic, location, and year of implant placement. Consistent use of the same brand of implants across all locations was a common practice for some clinics. PHASE 2: INVESTIGATION OF THE TYPE OF IMPLANT 1. KNOW THE DIFFERENTIATING ASPECTS It is essential to know the different parts of an implant and those differentiating characteristics in order to be able to identify partially or even totally the implant.We recommend you to read this publication to discover the different aspects to take into account when observing an X-ray. 2. LIBRARY OF IMPLANT BRANDS Familiarity with various models of commercial implant brands can aid in identifying the specific type, brand, and model of the implant with confidence. To ensure accuracy, maintain a library of brand-specific catalogs for reference on characteristics and measurements. 3. ASK COLLEAGUES IN THE SECTOR If you are not sure of which implant model it is, even with an X-ray, you should ask other colleagues who understand the subject so that they can guide you. 4. CONSULT AN IMPLANT SEARCH ENGINE Specialized implant search engines such as Spotimplant, What Implant Is That?, and OsseoSource can aid in identifying the implant model with confidence. This tools boast a vast implant database and enable effortless filtering by implant characteristics.