Encode Empowered Dental Lab

The Dental Lab has been in partnership with Zimmer Biomet since the beginning of 2020. Together, we function as an Encode-empowered dental hub for our clinicians, providing BellaTek Encode Abutment design system in-house. 

​Zimmer Biomet is a leader in implant restorative dentistry across the United States. With BellaTek healing abutments, they’ve created a solution that offers the most accurate and simplified dental corrections. In turn, turnaround times and treatment acceptance have been improved through the optimized digital workflow and enhanced custom-milled designs. 

What are BellaTek Encode
butments?

BellaTek abutments are a type of healing abutment that have unique codes on the occlusal surface that replaces a scan body or impression coping. The codes communicate abutment design and milling information, such as the collar height, implant hex orientation, platform diameter, and interface of the implant. These abutments are suited for 3i Certain® implants, external hex implants, and Zimmer TSV implants. Implant specialist and CDT Alex Rugh explains that the 3i Certain® and TSV implants have narrow slots in the middle that identify what implant system it is. The Certain® implants have two slots, while the TSV has three. The external hex implant does not have any.

Cutting-edge technology has drastically improved and simplified the dentist, patient, and dental lab treatment process. The computer software paired with the abutments allows fabrication through a virtual system. The software allows impressions to either be taken traditionally or directly over the abutment. If taken traditionally, a digital file will be created with the impression scan. If taken with an intra-oral scanner, the STL file will be imported directly into the computer system. Larger notches located on the abutments communicate the size and rotation of the implant and are analyzed through the software. Physical milling and printing are then also done virtually through the computer. 

Benefits of BellaTek Healing
Abutments

Because the system is patient-specific, it is anatomically designed for better aesthetic outcomes with the appropriate margin height and emergence contours. The abutments are also ready for cementation and delivery immediately after taking impressions. One of the most prominent advantages of encode abutments is that they do not need to be removed for the impression. The intra-oral scanning process can be done at the time of the surgical release visit, resulting in the elimination of a restorative appointment and fewer visits to the dentist for the patient. The placement margin is designed specifically for the patient’s mouth with the appropriate placement and contour. At the time of the impression, the tissue is fully healed, eliminating the need to create a cast. 

The BellaTek healing abutments serve as three products in one as they replace impression coping and scan body. Better maintenance of the hard and soft tissue is enabled. Additionally, the elimination of impression coping reduces abutment swapping which preserves the interface and helps maintain the sealing function. The impression system is less invasive and streamlines the entire treatment process for both the restorative clinician and the lab. In turn, the turnaround time is significantly reduced compared to the traditional process. Overall, the entire abutment process is developed with fewer steps, reducing overhead, while patient satisfaction and comfort are increased.

In addition, the abutments provide a cheaper alternative to traditional implants. Because they are done over the computer, there is less manual labor needed. The Encode abutments also mean that the need for stock components is eliminated because there are no parts to be ordered. 

Lastly, the Encode system optimizes the workflow for the entire team, providing end-to-end treatments. They make it easier for dentists and have the potential to increase treatment acceptance from patients. The BellaTek Healing Abutments provides a unique branding opportunity because of the minimized chair-time and simpler and quicker restoration process. It has great potential for increasing crown and bridge restoration demands.

​How Can The Dental Lab Help?

The Dental Lab is one of the leading dental labs in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. With over 35 years of experience, The Dental Lab is a developer and manufacturer of high-quality dental products for dental offices and professionals and has provided the dental profession with quality products and excellent customer service. As a premier provider of dental lab services, our team understands the complexities of manufacturing custom dental products for our professional clients. To make things simpler for our clients, we accept BellaTek coupons. You can save $175 off a case. Feel free to contact us for more information about our services.

You can also view our YouTube video on this topic here.

Sources:
Zimmer Biomet Product Catalog
Encode Healing Abutments from Zimmer Biomet

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Encode, zimmer biomet, the dental lab, laboratory, dentists, treatment, implants, abutments, BellaTek, technology, medtech, crown, bridge, restoration, impression