Innovator Profile 2015: ZEST Anchors

June 25, 2015

For more than 40 years, ZEST Anchors has been an innovator in product solutions for edentulous patients.

The company’s latest product introduction, the new SATURNO Narrow Diameter Implant System (SNDI) is no exception. DPR spoke to Dr. Paresh Patel, DDS, a ZEST user since 2004, to learn more about his experience with ZEST Systems, as well as the company’s unique new Narrow Diameter Implant (NDI) products.

Q: How long have you been using the ZEST product line for your patients and why?
A: I have always used the LOCATOR Attachment System as my go-to product for overdenture retention so it was an easy choice to consider when ZEST introduced its first narrow diameter implant system, the LOCATOR Overdenture Implant (LODI) System, in 2012. My practice is your typical small-town America nuts-and-bolts kind of office, which includes catering to an aging population that needs and deserves cost-effective implant options. Most of these patients would never be good candidates for an overdenture without additional surgery unless we consider the use of an NDI.

I place about 50 implants per month to stabilize loose dentures so it’s easy to see why I needed not just a good implant system but one that has an excellent track record I know my patients could benefit from. ZEST recently introduced its latest NDI product, the SATURNO Narrow Diameter Implant (SNDI) System, a narrow diameter o-ball implant designed as a permanent solution for overdenture retention. When I realized that it had everything I needed to stabilize a non-retentive denture in one package, I had to incorporate that into my practice. Every day I see denture patients that don’t have enough native bone to support a standard-size implant, and the acceptance of invasive bone augmentation procedures is highly unlikely. About two months ago, I treated my first case with the SNDI, and the results were nothing short of fantastic.

Q: What do you see as the advantages of the SATURNO Narrow Diameter Implant System?
A: SNDI features a proven Resorbable Blast Media (RBM) surface and is designed for increased primary stability, an important point to remember when picking a one-piece implant. Also, there are a variety of implant diameters and lengths, as well as two different cuff heights to truly help you pick the best implant for each patient. The surgical kit is well-thought out for maximum results without overcomplicating the system. It also has features such as drill stops and a rotary tissue punch for flapless surgery, when possible.

For me, the huge advantage is the 20° angled o-ball implant option. This allows me to follow the slope of the highly resorbed maxillary ridge. I don’t know of any other product that has that 20° angle correction for an o-ball one-piece implant. Also, the SATURNO’s pivoting race and o-ring inside the denture attachment housing gives me another 30° of help to correct for any non-parallel implants. These features allow me to take better advantage of the maximum length of residual bone and leaves enough room for the housing, acrylic and final prosthesis.

Q: How have these features benefited you and your treatment procedures?
A: Before, if we had an angled atrophic maxilla, it was difficult to take advantage of that sloped piece of bone with the standard straight implant. It would be too far facially to be of any prosthetic use. So before SATURNO, a straight implant of shorter length would need to be placed in a more vertical orientation. The biggest issue with that would be patient complaints of a bulky feel to the palatal aspect of their overdenture and the potential of a few threads of the implants in the gum tissue. But now, with SATURNO’s built-in angle, we can take advantage of that sloped piece of bone and prevent the implant from coming too far forward. We now have room for the denture attachment housing, acrylic and denture-and the esthetics won’t impinge on the patient’s upper lip.

Q: When using any of the ZEST Anchors lines of narrow diameter implants, what have been the patient responses?
A: The patients are ecstatic. Most of the patients I have in my practice usually have one of three things: they are financially compromised in that they don’t have a lot of discretionary income; they are medically compromised, which may not make surgery possible, especially if we are talking about block grafting or a ridge split procedure to increase the volume of bone; or they’re anatomically compromised in the volume of bone left, meaning they can’t accommodate a standard-sized implant without impinging on vital anatomical structures. Those are three things we can solve with the LODI or SATURNO narrow diameter implants.

Also, the cost rises when you involve more than one practitioner. When I can use a cost-effective solution like LODI or the SNDI, I can pass that savings along to the patient because everything I need is truly in the box. Patients are very happy and appreciative that they can have a stable and affordable implant with a great overdenture attachment and restoration.

To learn more about the SATURNO Narrow Diameter Implant System, watch the video below:

SATURNO Narrow Diameter Implant System
SATURNO features narrow diameter o-ball implants designed as a permanent solution for overdenture retention, featuring a unique 20° implant option for placement in the maxillary ridge and pivoting o-ring technology.
System flexibility
Implants are available in straight or 20° angled o-ball implant options; 2.0, 2.4 or 2.9mm diameters; and 2 or 4mm cuff heights. The patented, pivoting o-ring technology allows for resiliency and up to 30° of angle correction.
Innovative design
Implant design incorporates progressive threads for increased primary stability; a self-tapping feature for ease of implant insertion; and a proven RBM surface on the entire length of the implant.
Extended warranty
With a 10-year extended warranty on its narrow diameter implants, clinicians can feel confident with ZEST’s commitment to providing quality products and best-in-class service.