Learn to characterize implants

Coronal

Abutment Interface
External
External connections, radiographically, appear as a protrusion at the shoulder of the implant. You might also notice that the internal threads begin more coronally.
Unique
While most implants have an external and internal hex, other systems have created some unique connections. Some examples are the spline (seen to the left) and the internal tri-lobe of nobel biocare.
Internal
The internal connection is flat at the shoulder of the implant. you will see a thin wall surrounding the coronal portion of the implant. Threads often start more apically.
Flange
Wider
The flange is wider than the implant body. There is an abrupt transition from the body to the flange.
Flared
The flange is wider than the implant body, but there is a smooth transition from the implant body to the flange.
Straight
The flange is the same width as the implant body, with a straight transition between the two.
Collar
Apical Collar
This is where the implant shoulder angles inward toward the abutment interface.

Mid-Body

Implant Taper
Tapered
The implant body is wider at the coronal portion and narrower at the apex.
Tapered Apex
The mid-body is not tapered, while the apex is tapered.
Non-tapered
The width of the implant is the same at the coronal portion and the apex.
Implant Threads
Threaded
The implant body has threads somewhere along it’s body, often along the entire length of its body.
Non-threaded
The implant body has no threads, just smooth walls.
Thread Type
V-shaped Threads
The threads are pointed with both lengths being equal (as opposed to reverse buttress threads).
Reverse Buttress
Threads are also pointed, but one side of the threads is longer than the other side.
Square Threads
The threads are not pointed, but square in profile.
Rounded Threads
The threads are rounded, rather than pointed or square.
Mid-Body Grooves
Midbody Grooves
Grooves can be horizontal or vertical. Vertical grooves on the midbody can be difficult to see radiographically (would appear as vertical radiolucent lines).

Apical

Apex Shape
V-shaped Apex
The apex has two flat sides forming a point, whether it is pointed or blunted.
Curved Apex
The apex is curved/rounded.
Flat Apex
The apex is flat when viewed in profile.
Open Apex
Open Apex
An open apex refers to a hole through the underside of the implant. Radiographically, it appears as a more radiolucent band that touches the apex.
Round Hole
Round Hole
Holes appear in various ways radiographically, they can appear as radiolucent circles when the radiograph is taken perpendicular to the circle or as a radiolucent band if taken parellel to it.
Oblong Hole
Same radiographic characteristics as the round hole, but oblong instead of a circle.
Apical Chamber
Apical Chamber
Refers to there being space inside the implant (hollow space). Seen radiographically as radiolucent areas. these chambers are connected to holes.
Apical Grooves
Apical Grooves
These appear as radiolucencies at the apex (like the image shown to the left). The implant may have 2-4 or more grooves (number of grooves are not apparent radiographically).