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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.
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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.
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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.
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Wider
The flange is wider than the implant body. There is an abrupt transition from the body to the flange.
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Flared
The flange is wider than the implant body, but there is a smooth transition from the implant body to the flange.
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Straight
The flange is the same width as the implant body, with a straight transition between the two.
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Apical Collar
This is where the implant shoulder angles inward toward the abutment interface.
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Tapered
The implant body is wider at the coronal portion and narrower at the apex.
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Tapered Apex
The mid-body is not tapered, while the apex is tapered.
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Non-tapered
The width of the implant is the same at the coronal portion and the apex.
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Threaded
The implant body has threads somewhere along it’s body, often along the entire length of its body.
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Non-threaded
The implant body has no threads, just smooth walls.
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V-shaped Threads
The threads are pointed with both lengths being equal (as opposed to reverse buttress threads).
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Reverse Buttress
Threads are also pointed, but one side of the threads is longer than the other side.
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Square Threads
The threads are not pointed, but square in profile.
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Rounded Threads
The threads are rounded, rather than pointed or square.
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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).
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V-shaped Apex
The apex has two flat sides forming a point, whether it is pointed or blunted.
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Curved Apex
The apex is curved/rounded.
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Flat Apex
The apex is flat when viewed in profile.
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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.
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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.
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Oblong Hole
Same radiographic characteristics as the round hole, but oblong instead of a circle.
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Apical Chamber
Refers to there being space inside the implant (hollow space). Seen radiographically as radiolucent areas. these chambers are connected to holes.
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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).
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