CIT Dental Laboratory Communication & Implant Prosthetics Workflow

Question 1

Which information is most critical to include on a laboratory prescription for an implant-supported crown that is NOT required for a conventional crown on a natural tooth?

Accepted Answer

The implant system brand, implant platform size, and connection type (e.g., internal hex, conical)

Answer

Unlike a crown on a prepared tooth, an implant crown must attach to a specific implant via a precisely engineered abutment. The lab must know the exact implant brand, platform diameter, and connection geometry to select a compatible abutment. Using the wrong connection type will result in a restoration that does not fit the implant.

Question 2

What is a 'master cast with an implant analog' used for in the traditional laboratory workflow?

Accepted Answer

It is a stone model containing a replica of the implant that allows the lab to fabricate a restoration as if working directly on the patient's implant

Answer

An implant analog is a metal replica of the implant fixture that is placed in the impression before it is poured in stone. The resulting master cast has the analog in the exact position and orientation of the patient's implant, allowing the dental technician to seat, adjust, and fabricate the abutment and crown directly on the lab model.

Question 3

Which shade guide system is most widely used in dental laboratories for selecting the color of implant-supported ceramic crowns to match natural teeth?

Accepted Answer

VITA Classical (A1-D4) shade guide

Answer

The VITA Classical shade guide (with shades A1–A4, B1–B4, C1–C4, D2–D4) is the dental industry standard and the most universally understood communication tool between clinicians and dental laboratories worldwide. Specifying a VITA shade ensures the lab and clinician are using the same reference system.

Question 4

When returning a laboratory case that does not fit or requires modification, which document should accompany the case to clearly communicate the needed adjustments?

Accepted Answer

A remount lab prescription detailing the specific issue, proposed correction, and return deadline

Answer

A remount or remake prescription clearly identifies the problem (e.g., 'open contact mesially,' 'occlusion is high by 0.5 mm,' 'shade too dark'), specifies the correction, and includes the return date needed to meet the patient's appointment. Without written documentation, verbal descriptions are easily misunderstood and errors recur.

Question 5

A dental laboratory requests a 'pick-up impression' for an implant case. What does this technique involve?

Accepted Answer

An open-tray impression where the impression coping is captured within the impression material and removed with the tray, maintaining the coping's exact position

Answer

In the open-tray (pick-up) impression technique, the impression coping is screwed into the implant and a custom tray with an access hole is used. The coping stays locked in the impression material when the tray is removed, precisely recording the implant's position. The analog is then screwed onto the captured coping to create the master cast.

(CIT) Certified Implantology Technician Practice Test

(CIT) Certified Implantology Technician Practice Test

CIT Dental Laboratory Communication & Implant Prosthetics Workflow