Glossary

An activating tool is a special tool used during the dental implant process to ensure that the fingers on abutments and impression copings are in the proper position before placing the implant. When in the correct position, the impression copings and abutments should “click” into place. An activating tool is typically marked in such a way to indicate where to activate the abutments on one end and the impression copings on the other end. The tool can also be used to deactivate the fingers of an abutment or an impression coping in the event that there’s no finger retention when the abutment is inserted and removed from the analog during waxing, finishing, or the application of porcelain. Once the crown or custom abutment has been completed, the fingers of the impression copings and abutments need to be reactivated. Once the clicking sound is heard, the component is considered seated.

In implant dentistry, precise measurements are incredibly important. Failure on the part of the periodontist to select the proper sizing of components for the patient can hinder healing and even contribute to the rejection of a dental implant. The actual implant length/diameter is the most exact and accurate measurement for the length and diameter of a dental implant. There are a wide variety of lengths and diameters available for a periodontist to choose from, and the optimal length/diameter of an implant depends greatly on each patient’s unique bone structure and where the implant is meant to be placed. For example, a periodontist will need to choose different lengths and diameters for implants placed in different parts of the mouth and in areas that have dense bone versus areas that have poor bone quality.