Using an Implant Abutment Placement Jig

A simple and effective way to place an implant abutment intraorally and be assured it is in the same position as on the master cast used in fabrication is to use an abutment placement jig.

The jig is made on the master cast by the laboratory or the clinician. The stone cast is sealed and isolated. GC Pattern Resin, Duralay or Triad are a few products that can be used in jig fabrication. If a single implant, as in these photos, is between natural teeth, apply the material to the abutment and the teeth.

Accurate application is critical so that there is no movement of the jig on the teeth or the abutment. When the jig is transferred intraorally, confirmation of the fit is necessary. As the screw is tightened at the time of abutment insertion, the torqueing force will be applied to the screw and the jig rather than the abutment. This accomplishes two essential outcomes.

1. The abutment and the definitive restoration will be in the same/correct position as on the master cast. Minimal interproximal or occlusal contact adjustments will be necessary.

2. The torqueing forces on the screw are not transmitted to the implant, because the abutment cannot rotate.

This technique is critical when multiple abutments are inserted and the definitive restorations will be splinting or bridging the abutments. Slight rotation of the abutments at the time of insertion will prevent accurate seating of the restorations.