How to identify an unknown implant?

How to identify an unknown implant?

Proper identification of a dental implant is crucial to ensure optimal patient care, effective management of medical devices, and to prevent errors during treatments or post-operative checks. Implant identification is a methodical process that requires a good understanding of specific implant characteristics and the use of various identification methods. This guide outlines the main methods for identifying a dental implant.

1. Implant Marking

Implant marking is a fundamental method for their identification. Dental implants must comply with current legislation, particularly that enforced by the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) and European medical device regulations. According to these standards, each implant must bear markings that include the following information:

Manufacturer’s name: Indicates the origin of the implant.

Implant reference: A unique number identifying the type, size, and specifications of the implant.

Batch number: Allows the implant to be traced back to its production, which is useful in case of a product recall.

Manufacturing date and expiration date: Essential to ensure patient safety.

The marking is often engraved on the surface of the implant, usually in a non-visible area once the implantation is complete. It is crucial for the practitioner to record this batch number in the patient's medical file for optimal traceability.

2. Radiographs and Medical Imaging

Medical imaging is another method to identify a dental implant, particularly when there is doubt about the presence or integrity of the implant. Radiographs are used to evaluate the implant, verify its position, and detect any potential complications such as infections or osseointegration defects. Modern dental implants are often designed to be radiopaque or slightly radiolucent, making them visible on radiographs and enabling the practitioner to locate them and confirm proper implantation.

Moreover, examinations like computed tomography (CT scans) or Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scans can provide detailed information about the implant’s position and its interaction with surrounding structures. These techniques are especially useful during post-operative monitoring or before additional surgical interventions.

3. Traceability Cards

Some manufacturers offer traceability cards associated with each implant, containing product information. These cards are provided to the practitioner when purchasing the implant. They enable the dentist to maintain a complete record of the implantation, including the reference, batch number, implantation date, and sometimes even information about the type of osseointegration and clinical follow-up.

4. Manufacturer Documentation

Dental implant manufacturers often provide comprehensive documentation about their products, including technical sheets and user manuals. These documents, usually accessible via online platforms or upon request from the sales representative, allow verification of the implant's specific characteristics (size, shape, material, surface treatment) and ensure it is suitable for the patient's needs. They may also provide valuable information regarding post-operative management and potential complications.

5. Barcodes and Digital Traceability Technologies

Some modern dental implant systems use advanced technologies such as barcodes or QR codes, enabling tracking of the implant throughout its lifecycle, from manufacturing to implantation. These systems are particularly useful in environments where stock management and traceability are critical, such as large hospitals or clinics with numerous devices.

By scanning the barcode or QR code, the practitioner can access a database containing all relevant information needed for implant traceability.

6. Biometric Markers or RFID

Some companies have developed implants integrated with RFID chips or biometric markers. These technologies not only allow implant identification but also enable tracking its evolution within the patient. Although still not widely adopted, this technology represents the future of implant management, facilitating long-term tracking and management.

7. Clinical Follow-up and Post-implantation Reporting

After implanting a dental implant, careful clinical follow-up is essential. This follow-up ensures that the implant is properly integrated with the bone and that no complications have occurred. This process must include updating the patient’s medical records, which should contain precise information about the type of implant used, batch numbers, and any incidents that occurred during the procedure.

Conclusion

Dental implant identification relies on several key elements: marking, medical imaging, digital traceability, and manufacturer documentation. These various methods help ensure proper patient care and compliance with legal traceability requirements. Accurate identification and rigorous implant management help avoid clinical errors and ensure optimal long-term follow-up.

HYGITECH Product Recommendations

To guarantee optimal performance and reliable traceability, HYGITECH offers a range of high-quality dental implants. HYGITECH implants are rigorously tested and documented to provide maximum safety for your clinical procedures. Discover our solutions on our website for more details and to order your implants.