Thermoplastic Template Surgical Drill Set (EZ Stent) Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use the EZ Stent for taking Cone Beam CT?
A: The EZ Stent can be used for taking Cone Beam CT prior to surgery for verifying the exact angulations and depth of the drilling. This allows flapless implant surgery to be performed with ease and accuracy.

Q: How do I know if my pilot drill will fit in the hole of the drill sleeve?
A: For the first time EZ Stent user, we recommend passing your pilot drill through the drill sleeve once prior to surgery to ensure no obstruction. The pilot drill sizes of different brands may vary slightly (Ø2.0mm to 2.3mm).
Tip: A pilot drill from Straumann (Ø2.2mm short or long) fits particularly well in the EZ Stent, and can be used to substitute the pilot drill of any other brand.

Q: How do I locate the drill hole in the model?
A: We recommend securing the model on a survey table. Then prepare the drill hole in the model using a drill press (available from any hardware store). Freehanded drilling is not recommended.

Q: How do I secure the guide pin in the model?
A: We recommend using super glue or wax to secure the guide pin in the model so that it will not loosen during stent fabrication.

Q: Do I need to block out the undercuts on the model?
A: Due to a slight flexibility of the thermoplastic base material, usually we do not need to block out the undercuts on the model. Simply apply a thin coating of Vaseline on the model prior to molding the stent.

Q: How hot should the water be?
A: In general, the hotter the water, the faster the stent will turn soft and clear. The water should be at least 140ºF (60°C). Hotter water will not overheat the thermoplastic base.
Tips: Use a hemostat to hold the metal sleeve and immerse the stent upside down in hot water. Do not leave the stent on the bottom of the container because the thermoplastic material will turn sticky when it is softened.

Q: How do I sterilize the stent?
A: We recommend using a cold disinfectant to soak the stent overnight prior to surgery. The stent CANNOT be autoclaved.

Q: How come my stent is not very retentive in the mouth?
A: First, make sure the model is an accurate duplication of the oral tissue. Then make sure the softened base is well adapted to the model using light finger pressure (do not wear gloves) to create a good fit.
Tips: For EZ Stent distal extension, hold the extended portion of the thermoplastic base down while drilling the bone to ensure good retention and stability.

Q: What if patient's jaw opening is limited, or the surgical site is towards the back of the mouth where access is difficult?
A: Use a fine diamond disc to shorten the metal sleeve to approximately 6mm long PRIOR to molding the stent on the model. Then use a shorter pilot drill to create the osteotomy.

Q: What is the shelf life for the EZ Stent?
A: If stored in a cool dry place the EZ Stent has an indefinite shelf life.

Q: Can the EZ Stent be re-used?
A: EZ Stent is intended for ONE TIME USE only. The stent can only be re-heated 2 to 3 times for minor adjustments. Re-heating the stent repeatedly will make the thermoplastic material unstable and deteriorate. Re-using the EZ Stent can also introduces cross-contamination between patients.

Q: Can the metal sleeve be purchased alone?
A: No. There is a patent-pending locking mechanism in the stent to prevent sleeve loosening during surgery. We do not sell the sleeve by itself.

Q: Any other metal sleeve size available?
A: Currently only one size (Ø2.3mm) that fits all dental implant systems in the market is available.

Q: Can EZ Stent be used for multiple implant placements?
A: The EZ Stent can be easily combined for performing multiple implant osteotomy. Simply melt two templates in hot water until they both turn clear, then overlap their extended wings and mold them over the cast model with the guide pins in place. The overlapped area should provide you with sufficient excess material to stretch and mold the combined stent as necessary to guide over the secured pins. Once the stent turns semi-clear, you can remove it from the model and quickly trim off the excess with a curved scissor. Place it back on the model until it sets and turns opaque. You can then remove it again for polishing using a green or white stone in a high-speed handpiece.