Mastering Crown and Bridge Impressions
State-of-the-art materials and techniques increase predictability
Marc Geissberger, DDS, MA
Taking an impression for a crown or bridge can be one of the most challenging aspects of general dentistry, and the success of our restorations is dependent on the accuracy and quality of this process. To obtain a flawless clinical impression, the practitioner must employ sound clinical techniques using highly accurate materials. There are many different materials and techniques commonly used in restorative dentistry.1 This article will discuss a simple two-step technique for capturing flawless impressions that has been shown to be highly accurate and reliable.2
When selecting an impression material for use in clinical practice, several factors must be considered, including accuracy, total setting time, working time, and the hydrophilicity of the given material. Several advances in product development have led to impression materials, such as the ones used in the following case, that offer longer working times with decreased overall setting times. By decreasing the time the material sits in the oral cavity after it has been expressed and inserted, the potential for distortion is lessened.
Case Presentation
A patient presented to a recall examination with radiographically visible distal decay under an existing crown restoration on the left maxillary second bicuspid (ie, tooth No. 13) (Figure 1). The accepted treatment plan involved removing the failing crown and distal decay and then replacing the restoration with a new ceramic crown. Prior to crown removal, a preoperative alginate quadrant impression was made. If time permits, this impression can be captured at the hygiene appointment. For this case, the alginate impression was captured at the preparation appointment, and a fast-setting stone was poured to create a corresponding model (Figure 2). The model was used to create a vacuum-formed splint to fabricate the provisional as well as to customize a stock impression tray for a two-step impression technique. To customize the tray, a fast-setting vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) impression material (V-Posil Putty Fast, VOCO) was mixed and placed into the tray, then impressed against the stone model (Figure 3).
At the crown preparation appointment, the failing crown was removed and the distal decay was cleaned. The preparation was then modified and refined. A dual-cord technique was utilized (Ultrapak® #00 and #1, Ultradent Products Inc.) to achieve retraction, and a 20% ferric sulfate hemostatic agent (Viscostat®, Ultradent Products Inc.) was used to control any bleeding and further facilitate adequate tissue retraction.3 The cords were left in place for approximately 5 minutes (Figure 4). Prior to removing the top cord, the entire operating field was rinsed with copious amounts of water to remove any debris. After the top cord was removed and an inspection of the site confirmed adequate retraction and hemostasis, the preparation was thoroughly dried (Figure 5). A single use impression syringe and the previously customized impression tray were loaded with a VPS wash material (V-Posil Light Fast, VOCO) (Figure 6). The wash was injected around the prepared tooth, paying careful attention to deliver the material into the retracted sulcus to ensure the presence of adequate flash and marginal detail.
Upon removal from the oral cavity, the impression was examined to ensure that all of the necessary details had been captured. First, the impression was assessed for overall accuracy and the level of detail of the adjacent teeth. This included all of the occlusal, lingual, and proximal surfaces (Figure 7). Then, surgical loupes were employed during the next phase of the assessment, allowing a more detailed inspection of all of the axial surfaces and circumferentially at the margins (Figure 8 and Figure 9).
Conclusion
Although capturing a flawless impression can be a daunting clinical challenge, the use of well-engineered materials and careful attention to technique can make the process very predictable.4 Regardless of the amount of steps used in the impression method, the employment of proper retraction using a dual-cord technique will lead to improved overall clinical performance. The V-Posil impression system utilized in this article employs a thermo-activated process to decrease the setting time with no overall impact on the working time-an advancement in the engineering of impression materials that benefits both the practitioner and the patient.
About the Authors
Marc Geissberger, DDS, MA
Private Practice
Greenbrae, California
Board Member
Catapult Education
Adjunct Clinical Professor
University of the Pacific
Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
San Francisco, California
References
1. Rubel BS. Impression materials: a comparative review of impression materials most commonly used in restorative dentistry. Dent Clin North Am. 2007;51(3):629-642.
2. Jamshidy L, Mozaffari HR, Faraji P, et al. Accuracy of the one-stage and two-stage impression techniques: a comparative analysis. Int J Dent. 2016;2016:7256496.
3. Chai J, Takahashi Y, Lautenschlager EP. Clinically relevant mechanical properties of elastomeric impression materials. Int J Prosthodont. 1998;11(3):219-223.
4. Devan MM. Basic principles in impression making. 1952. J Pros Dent. 2005;93(6):503-508.
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