Operative tips 271

to engage the post of the blade in order to control its direction while it is being tapped into the bone (Fig. 7-30). A plastic-headed mallet is recommended for tapping procedures.

To carry the blade to the prepared groove and seat it there, either a lock screw or a rubber washer is used to engage the implant's head in the inserting instrument (Fig. 7-31). This device is particularly handy in reaching posterior sites, especially because the instrument is bent appropriately (Fig. 7-32).

Once the blade is in its groove, two specially prepared chisels are used to tap it deep into bone. These chisels adapt to the shoulders of the blade

Fig. 7-32. Inserting instrument swivelled for easier accessibility.

Fig. 7-33. Grooved and straight chisels used for tapping a blade into bone.

Fig. 7-34. The groove chisel is used to start tapping the blade implant into bone.

Fig. 7-35. When the bone is approached, the straight chisel is used to tap the shoulders level with bone.