proper depth with some type of inserting instrument and a mallet. Because force should be directed along the axis of the socket, the final seating method must be carefully executed.

A single-headed inserting instrument (37) works very well in-deed if the neck of the post is only slightly bent and the implant is correctly engaged in good bone. Even so, a finger is needed to brace the labial plate and support should always be given at the inferior border of the mandible with the palm (38).

Caution: If the post has been bent acutely away from the axis of the socket, the inserting instrument cannot be used on the post. The force against labial bone (39) might fracture it. In such a case, the implant's shoulders must receive the force. Most blade-vent designs have a small pit in each shoulder to secure a pointed seating instrument (a shoulder set point) (40). This is inserted in one shoulder and aligned with the axis of the socket (41).

An assistant's finger holds the unengaged shoulder to prevent its popping up. A sharp tap should sink the implant a short distance and then the instrument is alternated to the other shoulder.

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