Hi group. I had 8 Nobel Biocare implants for a complete top set
procedure. Two were placed after bone graft. One failed, was regrafted,
re implanted and left for 8 months. Lat week the site was opened up and
another failure - no explanation other than thats just the way it is.
Question is this common to A) reimplant on a failed grafted site, B)any
stats available of success rate for this, C) under the Nobel deal
failures are replaced - is this still valid?

Part two - which is more of a concern. One of the screw heads was cross
treaded and the temp bridge work had to be cut apart to get access to
remove the head. On closer inspection another 3 had burred heads and
had to be discarded. The reverse drill retraction unit that Nobel sell
did not work as there was insufficient room for the dentist to work on
the bad one. Upon inspection it would appear that the depth of the slot
is insufficent and that the driver has to be 100% perfect fit to avoid
damage. This is a problem as due to the restricted well there is no
line of sight to ensure 100% fit, so the chances of burring the head
are increased.

Apparently this is common and Nobel are aware of this issue. these
heads have only been in use for about 12 months or so and Nobel
intorduced them to have common components across their range. Have
others had experience with these 'star' driver fitted implants.

Appreciate all feedback as I suspect Nobel will maintain that it is a
dentist issue and deny all responsability.

Final question - when Nobel changed this fitting would they have had to
get FDA CE TPG approval as it is part of an implantable device. Assume
they should have approval and therefore there may be the option to
progress with the regulators?

Cheers
Colin.