Abstract

Dental implant is commonly known as the 3rd Dentition and is a widely used treatment modality for prosthetic rehabilitation of partially and fully edentulous patients. This primarily involves the installation of the fixtures that serve to replace the root of a natural missing tooth. According to the Glossary of Prosthodontics Terms-9 (GPT-9), dental implant is defined as a prosthetic device made of alloplastic material(s) implanted into the oral tissues beneath the mucosal and/or periosteal layer and on or within the bone to provide retention and support for a fixed or removable dental prosthesis; a substance that is placed into and/or on the jaw bone to support a fixed or removable dental prosthesis. It is rightly said “The First Impression Is the Last Impression”. This holds truly well in terms of impressions in implant dentistry that form the foundation for the success of implant prosthesis. The main objective of impression making is to record the most accurate copy of the implant analogues, implant abutments and the surrounding oral tissues thereby avoiding any kind of instabilities in the prosthetic device. Proper impressions ensure a precise fit between dental implants and the superstructure well required for the long-term success of implant-supported prostheses. This lecture will demystify the basic components, material science i.e. commonly used materials like polyether and vinyl polysiloxane impression materials, technique concepts and stepwise instructions, required for the utmost success of the implant prosthesis.