Innovator Profile: ZEST Anchors LODI system offers less-invasive implant options for narrow ridges

ZEST Anchors'

narrow implant system reportedly offers a less-invasive approach to dental implants. To learn more about the

ZEST Anchors LOCATOR^® Overdenture Implant (LODI) system,

DPR sat down with Dr. Michael Scherer, DMD, MS, FACP, Diplomate American Board of Prosthetics.  

Q: How long have you been using the LOCATOR® Overdenture Implant (LODI) System and what made you decide to implement it into your practice?

MS: I have been using the ZEST LODI System both in academic and private clinical practice for nearly two years. As an avid proponent of providing implant options for my complete denture patients, I was familiar with the LOCATOR attachment and was very comfortable using it successfully. I was thrilled that ZEST designed a narrow diameter implant system that included everything I needed to stabilize a loose denture with a price point that was very affordable for my cost-sensitive older patients.

Because of this older patient demographic in my practice, I see many patients with narrow ridges and/or those who are not interested in invasive dental implant therapy with extensive grafting procedures. To attempt to fit this need previously, I evaluated several of the mini implant systems in the market, however, I was frustrated with those mini, one-piece implant systems and the challenge of managing the height and space issues associated with o-ring attachments. Because of this, I would shy away from offering implant therapy for patients with narrow ridges.

When the ZEST LODI System was introduced, I decided to implement it into my practice because, as a prosthodontist, I needed a narrow diameter dental implant that had little compromise for my patients with narrow ridges. I needed an implant that utilized the most effective, popular, and researched attachment system on the market that I know I can stand behind for years to come. 

Q: Tell us about the results you’ve gotten and about the patient response? 

MS: The results have been nothing short of tremendous! I have had countless numbers of success stories in helping my patients stabilize their loose dentures. In the nearly two years of working with the LODI System, I have placed hundreds of implants and have had little to no complications. Both the implants and the system just plain work!

The patient response has been truly remarkable. I feel that the measure of success with anything I do for my patients is predicated upon how my patients feel about their treatment not that same day but in the months and years to come. When the biggest complaint I have received from a patient is “I should have done this years ago!” it is proof that the treatment was a success.

The greatest compliment that I receive from my patients is also my greatest selling point. Since we always place implants in one arch at a time and typically the mandible first, I love getting the question “Doctor, how soon can we do the upper?!” This, to me, means that they are so satisfied with the treatment they’ve received so far, they are eager to do the same thing to their upper … what a compliment!

Q: What are the best features of the LODI system in terms of using it, as well as being able to offer an economical option for denture patients with narrow ridges?

MS: The best features of the LODI System are the fact that ZEST has found a way to combine the best overdenture attachment on the market with an outstanding implant design, offering prosthetic flexibility, the ability to service the attachment in cases of wear, and with a simple surgical protocol. In addition to this, they have found a way to price the implant in an affordable, all-in-one packaging that makes it easy to integrate into a busy clinical practice. ZEST Anchors has really studied the implant market and created a no-compromise narrow diameter dental implant system!

The LODI implant combines a proven resorbable blast media (RBM) surface treatment with a simple drilling protocol that can achieve high levels of insertion torque and primary stability. The combination of these two features provides good opportunities for long-term success. The flexibility of being able to customize the implant for every one of my patients is an amazing feature! I can choose implant diameter (2.4mm or 2.9mm), length (10mm, 12mm, 14mm) and LOCATOR cuff height (2.5mm or 4mm). This allows me to fit the implant to the patient instead of the other way around.

The implant placement protocol is so easy with a flapless approach because they include drill stops that fit all of the drills. If needed, I can reflect a flap and still place these implants with traditional techniques. Additionally, the drilling protocol allows for under sizing of osteotomies in low density bone to ensure high primary stability. The surgical kit has everything I need to place these implants, and I can even do guided surgery without having to order a special kit.

Q: What is the one thing about LODI that you feel your colleagues should know about?

MS: I get questions all the time from clinicians that have been using traditional one-piece O-ball implants for some time and why they should bother switching. I tell my colleagues that for more than four decades, ZEST Anchors has provided clinicians with the most innovative products for the treatment of edentulous patients. With that track record and the fact that the LODI System is ideal for stabilizing loose dentures, there is no reason to “try” any other narrow diameter implant system

FEATURED PRODUCT

ZEST Anchors LOCATOR Overdenture Implant (LODI) System

With a two-piece coronal design, the LODI system is said to offer a less invasive, predictable and long-term implant retained overdenture option for patients requiring an effective, cost conscious technique for securing their dentures.

The attachment is seated after implant placement, allowing for replacement if wear should occur. It offers a dramatically reduced vertical height versus competitive offerings. The implant is ideal for narrow ridges, is a less invasive treatment alternative, can eliminate the need for bone grafting and is designed for immediate function in appropriate cases.