Straumann® TLX Implant: Simple, Efficient Design for Immediate Protocols
When patients ask Wael Att, DDS, Dr Med Dent, DMD, PhD, about the dental implant he'll use during their treatment, he wants to have the utmost confidence in that implant's quality.
"I would say we utilize implant systems that are known for their quality, based on scientific evidence, and Straumann is one of the companies leading the implant dentistry market globally," says Att, professor and chair of the Department of Prosthodontics at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. "I get the same question from colleagues: Which implant system would you recommend? And I answer the same thing: You have to look at the quality, the science behind the materials and products, the practicality of the system and spectrum of components, and, last but not least, the service that is going to be provided to you as a consumer. Basically, if you are ordering a product and putting it to use, and have any questions or need support, you want to know there will be someone who will respond immediately. I have been very satisfied with the level of service provided by Straumann and its team."
A native of Syria, Att is author of Digital Workflow in Reconstructive Dentistry, a book published in 2019 that has been translated to several languages. As such, he is intimately familiar with the various components of the digital dental workflow. And, as a clinician since 2000, he's had the opportunity to consider a variety of treatment protocols and evaluate what he considers to be the best options.
"With the Straumann® TLX implant system, as well as the BLX and, before that, the BLT, the implant is designed to provide better primary stability, which is mainly intended for immediate placement and loading protocols," Att explains. "The TLX, considered a one-piece (or tissue-level) implant, can facilitate primary stability along with a transmucosal benefit that facilitates easier soft-tissue manipulation and an improved healing process, such that you don't need a second-stage surgery. It can be loaded immediately."
According to the manufacturer, the TLX system enhances peri-implant health management through reduced risk of nesting bacteria, optimized cleansability due to the soft-tissue-level connection, and a machined collar for soft-tissue attachment.1-4
Featuring a thread design to further enhance primary stability, the TLX is made to also allow the clinician to modify the direction of the implant placement as necessary, Att says. In addition, the TLX material is Straumann Roxolid®, which comprises 15% zirconium and 85% titanium to offer high tensile strength without sacrificing osseointegration capability. "This gives you a lower risk of implant fractures, even with a smaller diameter, because the implant can withstand greater force as compared to implants made of titanium," he notes.5
Essentially, Straumann has combined its fully tapered implant design for high primary stability with the predictability of a tissue-level implant, Att summarizes. "With the efficiency of a one-stage process and the option for digitally integrated workflows, Straumann's TLX implant system allows me to treat my patients confidently, knowing I am offering them an efficient, simple, effective long-term solution."
REFERENCES
1. Hermann JS, Jones AA, Bakaeen LG, et al. Influence of a machined collar on crestal bone changes around titanium implants: a histometric study in the canine mandible. J Periodontol. 2011;82(9):1329-1338.
2. Vouros ID, Kalpidis CD, Horvath A, et al. Systematic assessment of clinical outcomes in bone-level and tissue-level endosseous dental implants. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2012;27(6):1359-1374.
3. Derks J, Håkansson J, Wennström JL, et al. Effectiveness of implant therapy analyzed in a Swedish population: early and late implant loss. J Dent Res. 2014; Dec 11. [Epub ahead of print].
4. Derks J, Schaller D, Håkansson J, et al. Effectiveness of implant therapy analyzed in a Swedish population: prevalence of peri-implantitis. J Dent Res. 2016;95(1):43-49.
5. Norm ASTM F67 (states min. tensile strength of annealed titanium); data on file for Straumann cold-worked titanium and Roxolid® implants. 4. Fatigue strength according to ISO 14801 internal tests, data on file.
Wael Att, DDS, Dr Med Dent, DMD, PhD
Professor and Chair, Department of Prosthodontics, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
Straumann
800-448-8168
straumann.com
