Operative tips 279

Miscellaneous instruments

Technologic innovations are facilitating implantology as well as other areas of specialization in dentistry and medicine. Sometimes the innovation is simple in both concept and construction. At other times the device is an outgrowth of several complex ideas. Whether or not the operator need avail himself of such a device, which generally tends to be expensive, usually depends on the amount of use he can derive from it. Linkow has found the following instruments useful, but not necessary, adjuncts to his implantation procedures.

X-ray grid. The x-ray grid is a mesh with 1 sq. mm. spaces used in conjunction with x-rays (Fig. 7-53). The grid enables an operator who is unsure of the amount of bone remaining in the alveolar crest to accurately measure it in millimeters (Fig. 7-54). From the reading he can exactly choose an implant of the appropriate design and length and mark the ideal placement depth on the implant itself. While drilling he can keep accurate track of

the amount of bone relative to instrument length (Fig. 7-55).

To superimpose the grid onto the radiograph, the grid is taped to the tongue side of the x-ray fihn itself prior to exposing it. Before development of the film, the grid is removed and reserved for other use.

Self-contained developer and fixer for dental x-ray films. For a quick chairside developing and fixing of an x-ray without the use of a darkroom, a self-contained x-ray film unit can be used (Fig. 7-56). The film is included in a black plastic casing. The film compartment is joined to a narrow chamber that leads to two separate chambers that contain developer and fixer.

After the x-ray is exposed, the developer chamber is opened by pulling the single tail that extends from it. The developing solution is squeezed from its compartment through the narrow chamber and into the x-ray film department. After 1 or 2 minutes, the fixer solution is opened by pulling its two

Fig. 7-57. A Diapulse machine. (Courtesy Diapulse Corporation of America.)