Removing a cement-retained implant-supported bridge requires a careful balance: overcoming cement retention while limiting the forces transmitted to the restoration, abutments and implant screws.
A new in vitro study published in the Journal of Functional Biomaterials compared three systems for retrieving implant-supported bridges: the Magnetic Mallet, a sliding hammer and Coronaflex. Its findings provide new evidence on the retrieval effectiveness and force control achievable with the Magnetic Mallet Crown & Bridge Remover.
210 tests comparing three retrieval techniques
The researchers conducted 210 retrieval tests using seven bridge geometries, two types of cement, three removal tools and five repetitions for each configuration.
The study assessed whether each bridge could be removed within a maximum of 50 impulses and measured the peak force transmitted during the procedure. The full paper is available from the publisher.
High retrieval effectiveness with lower forces
With temporary cement, the Magnetic Mallet achieved a high retrieval rate and performed similarly to the sliding hammer across most of the bridge geometries tested.
The most noteworthy result concerns force. The Magnetic Mallet produced the lowest peak force in nearly all removable configurations. Compared with Coronaflex, it also achieved an equal or higher retrieval rate while generating lower forces.
This matters because successful bridge retrieval is not the only objective. Limiting the mechanical load transferred to prosthetic components is also an important part of a controlled retrieval strategy.
Extremely rapid, precise and repeatable impulses
The Crown & Bridge Remover uses the Magnetic Mallet's MAGNETODYNAMICS technology to deliver extremely rapid, electronically controlled axial impulses.
Instead of relying on a wide manual movement, the clinician can apply short, repeatable impulses and select the power level appropriate for the situation. The study did not compare procedure time in seconds, so it does not establish statistically superior speed. It does show, however, that the system's rapid impulse can be associated, under the tested conditions, with effective retrieval and lower peak forces.
From an operational perspective, this supports a fast, controlled workflow with less dependence on the operator's manual striking force.
Cement selection remains critical
The study also identified an important limitation. With permanent zinc phosphate cement, most bridge configurations could not be removed by any of the three tools. During those attempts, the sliding hammer caused four instances of abutment-screw damage.
This finding reinforces the need to plan cementation with future prosthetic retrievability in mind. When retrieval is a clinical objective, cement selection and bridge geometry are as important as the removal instrument itself.
A practical balance of effectiveness and control
The study does not conclude that the Magnetic Mallet is superior in every situation. In some highly retentive configurations, the sliding hammer achieved a higher retrieval rate, but it also generated higher forces.
The value of the Magnetic Mallet Crown & Bridge Remover lies in the balance between:
- high retrieval effectiveness with temporary cement;
- generally lower peak forces;
- extremely rapid and repeatable impulses;
- adjustable power;
- greater control of the operative movement.
For particularly retentive structures, the authors suggest that different instruments may be used as complementary tools.
New evidence for more controlled bridge retrieval
This was an in vitro investigation, not a clinical trial, and its results should not be automatically extended to every prosthesis, cement or treatment situation. Nevertheless, it provides strong experimental evidence for an approach that combines retrieval effectiveness, rapid impulse delivery and force control.
The Magnetic Mallet Crown & Bridge Remover is not designed simply to strike harder. It is designed to deliver the required impulse extremely quickly, precisely and under control.
Discover the Magnetic Mallet Crown & Bridge Remover or explore the OSSEOTOUCH scientific publications.