For Removable Cement Retained Crown

& Bridge and Implant Prostheses
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Since fifty percent of Fixed Prosthodontic cases fail within the first five years from biological or mechanical reasons, it is often advantageous to make the cemented fixed prosthesis into one that is removable. This is easily and economically done be placing a Metalift™ Key into the prosthesis prior to final cementation. This is simply and quickly done either in the laboratory or in the office after it is returned from the lab.

This is especially helpful for implant cases, periodontal prostheses, complex cases and other situations such as when secondary caries occurs or endodontics becomes necessary after final cementation of the restoration.

When using the Metalift™ System to create a removable or retrievable fixed prosthesis you can accurately place the pilot hole in the most desirable location by using the underside approach. This approach is especially useful on implant cases. After the prosthesis is completed by the laboratory and prior to cementing it, install a Metalift™ Key by directly centering it over the location of the implant abutment. Do this by approaching the prosthesis from the underside, where you are able to see you are directly in the middle or center of the portion of the casting where the implant abutment fits. Then place the pilot hole and precision channel through the metal in the usual manner. (See Fig. 32)

After the precision channels are placed in the castings and threaded, a Metalift™ Key is placed (threaded) into the casting and tried into the mouth (See Fig. 33) and the restoration is cemented in the mouth in the usual fashion.

Removing a cemented Metalift™ Fixed Prosthesis is very straightforward. You simply remove the Metalift™ Keys by unscrewing them with the Metalift Key Wrench (See Fig. 34). Then place the Metalift™ Crown Removal Instrument in the threaded channel. It will thread in very lightly until it hits the cement layer. (See Fig. 35). It should only take about 2-4 more turns to break the cement layer. This is done on each abutment until the crown or bridge lifts off.

Disadvantages

Advantages

Summary of Problems
Figure 32
Figure 33
Figure 34
Figure 35