A zirconia bridge is a screw-retained restoration that offers easy retrievability and usage convenience to patients. As it can be easily removed, patients can keep the respective area in the mouth clean and ensure optimal oral hygiene.
Zirconia screw-retained bridges are built in a way to offer an accurate fit to the user. They are CADCAM designed, which provides a reliable bridge, eliminating distortions. Once the bridge is set, a layer of porcelain is applied, followed by glazing and hand-finishing. However, multi unit abutment also plays a crucial role in seating the bridge in the mouth.
For more clarity on this, we have explained the whole process in a step-by-step manner, along with the role of the multi-unit abutment. So, without any further delay, let’s check out the process.
Step 1) Removing The Healing Caps
The first step in the process is carefully removing the healing caps. You should keep the following things in mind:
- Healing caps are very small in size. So, if you fumble while removing them, they can fall into the patient’s throat, and unwanted swallowing can occur. An effective way of avoiding this problem is placing a gauze or similar protective tool in the patient’s mouth beforehand.
- There is no fixed order in which the healing caps need to be removed. So, you can do it at both your and the patient’s convenience, without any issues.
- An ideal way of removing the healing caps is to loosen them first. You can use the torque wrench to reduce the grip of the caps. Afterward, easily unscrew and remove them with a screwdriver.
Step 2) Seating The Lower Bridge
After the healing caps are removed properly, you can start with seating the zirconia bridge. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- While placing the bridge, pay attention that it is properly aligned with the implants. It helps to achieve a good fit.
- After you are satisfied with the seating of the bridge, start inserting the screws and tightening them properly.
- You don’t need to make adjustments while fitting the bridge because the adjustment can be done after the upper bridge is placed.
Step 3) Placement of Multi Unit Abutment
Multi unit abutment needs to be placed according to the implant’s angulation and correction requirements. An ideal approach is projecting the access holes of the anterior region, particularly in the cingulum area or the posterior teeth in the mid-occlusal lingual area. Otherwise, if you angle the screw hole towards the anterior teeth, it may cause problems. One way to tackle this issue is, to use a multi-unit abutment which helps to shift the screw hole access lingually. Also, this specialized abutment allows you to set the angulation of the implants.
Normally, a multi-unit abutment on the model helps you to see the orientations of your patient’s mouth. Sometimes it is essential for you to remove it from the model and directly put it in the patient’s mouth.
Step 4) Seating The Upper Bridge Using Multi Abutment
You can seat the upper bridge successfully with the help of a multi-unit abutment. Here are some tips that allow you to seat the upper bridge effectively;
- The use of a multi-unit abutment makes it easy to seat the upper dental bridge. The best way of fitting is by putting it down gently. Make sure it doesn’t move back and forth. When it gets fit properly, you will automatically know about it through the firm grip.
- If the zirconia bridge is not inserted properly or is moving, at this time, you can change the direction of the specialized abutment. Also, make sure it fits securely into your patient’s mouth.
- When the multi-unit abutment is set properly in place, you can start to fit the screws.
- Once the screws are put in their position, then you can turn the bridge and keep it correctly in place. At this time, it is important to make adjustments to the occlusion.
Step 4) Use the Correct Torque Measurement
It is the last and final step. If you are making all the adjustments properly, then the next is to torque the screw into position. These adjustments can be correctly measured by using the appropriate torque measurements. Moreover, you can use the Newton Centimetre(NCM) system which will be helpful for you to measure the unit of torque. By using this, you can get better results.
Conclusion
A zirconia bridge is a popular choice that can be used by most clinicians. This bridge has many advantages such as it makes it easier for patients to maintain healthy implants. By following the above steps in the right order and proper manner, dental surgeons can ensure the best results for the patients. Furthermore, the process of placing the zirconia bridge becomes more accurate and time-efficient.
