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Implant Concierge FAQ
1. What is Implant Concierge™?
Implant Concierge™ is a propriety web-based technology that provides dentists and other industry professionals with a centralized, HIPAA compliant tool used to communicate, streamline, and coordinate CBCT solutions and guided implant surgical services. Implant Concierge ™ is your Virtual Treatment Plan Coordinator™ delivering real time updates on your case and accurate financial summary within minutes! Located deep in the heart of Texas in beautiful San Antonio, Texas our 3D Case Coordinators take great pride in offering a true concierge-style customer service experience.
Founded in 2006, Implant Concierge™ has assisted thousands of dentists with their CBCT, radiology and CAD/CAM surgical guide, and restorative needs. Implant Concierge™ can handle any case – from simple to complex. We are committed to developing our service and reputation through innovation and trust.
2. Who can use Implant Concierge™?
Implant Concierge™ can be used by restorative dentists, oral surgeons, and other dental team members involved in a case. Implant Concierge™ coordinates the actions of your implant case by improving communication between your dental implant team.
3. How do I get started?
Getting started is simple! Register at www.implantconcierge.com and start your case by clicking on “Create Implant Concierge Case”. There is no cost to start a case or to create a user profile. If you need assistance in creating a case, please see our Getting Started document titled “Creating your first case”.
4. Do I need to download the software?
No. There’s no software to download or to purchase! Implant Concierge™ is a web-based application. You can use Implant Concierge™ anywhere you have an Internet connection and a web browser. Because it is web-based, Implant Concierge™ is compatible with both Mac and Microsoft operating software.
5. Do I need to buy a new computer and software?
No. Since Implant Concierge™ is a web-based application, it can be used with any computer that has internet! No need to purchase tricked out computers with mega storage and robust graphics cards for 3D rendering. We do recommend Safari or Google Chrome for best viewing results and internet security.
6. Can other users see my data?
No. Implant Concierge is a HIPAA compliant website. You can add additional Case Partners, such as a colleague for multi-disciplinary cases, but they will only have access to the cases that you share with them.
7. Can I share a case with someone not using Implant Concierge™?
Yes! In order to add a colleague or Case Partner to a case, simply invite them on the Partners tab. Once they accept your invitation and create their own user profile and login information, they will be able to access the case files just as you are. All of this falls within the strict HIPAA compliance terms. If you need assistance in adding a case partner, please see our How To document titled “Add a Case Partner”
8. Can I add a case at any time?
Yes. Implant Concierge™ gives you 24-hour access to add a new case and case partners, review case notes and images.
9. Is there an additional support and maintenance fee?
No. There are no additional costs or hidden fees.
10. How does Implant Concierge know the perfect workflow for my specific case?
The Virtual Treatment Plan Coordinator™ analyzes your software selection, the teeth missing or teeth that will be extracted at time of surgery, as well as your ideal restorative treatment plan. Based upon these variables, the Implant Concierge™ will either provide specific options or in some instances will force certain options that will be required. Guided surgery has traditionally been very confusing based upon all of the rules, but Implant Concierge™ no longer requires that you remember all of these rules, steps and sequences! We provide you the most efficient work flow available up-front. The web-based program is complex enough for any challenging surgical guided case, but intuitive and simple enough for any dental professional!
11. What does the Implant Concierge require in order to to create a CAD/CAM Surgical Guide?
Based on the type of case that you are working on, the Implant Concierge™ will require that specific protocols are followed, which will ensure an efficient workflow as well as a very accurate and restorative based surgical guide is provided!
We have four main workflows:
– Simple Partially Edentulous: We need a CBCT Scan (with NO scanning appliance) and a diagnostic cast (either a stone model or a digital impression).
– Immediate Extract/Immediate Place: The requirements are the same as the “Simple Partially Edentulous”! We need a CBCT Scan (with NO scanning appliance) and a diagnostic cast (either a stone model or a digital impression).
– Complex Partially Edentulous – We need a CBCT Scan (with NO scanning appliance) and a diagnostic cast (either a stone model or a digital impression). In addition to those, we will also need restorative information. The restorative model can be a simple wax-up or a Pick-up impression from the patient’s RPD.
– Fully Edentulous: Dual Scan Protocol is ideal.
For information regarding the scanning protocols, please visit our “Scanning Protocols” section.
For more detailed information regarding our workflows, please review our customized workflows in “Getting Started“!
12. How does the Virtual Treatment Plan Coordinator make my life easier?
The Virtual Treatment Plan Coordinator™ is the “QB” for each case. Based upon your case and your patient specific selections, the Virtual Treatment Plan Coordinator™ will coordinate and synchronize your entire dental implant team! Your lab, imaging, radiology, planning and surgical guides are all integrated into your case as your “Case Partner”. Each Case Partner is instructed what to do, how to do it and when to do it! The best part is that each step is also recorded using our software to ensure that it is done on time ensuring that your cases are completed On Time, On Task and On Budget! We remove the managerial headaches of a fragmented process for you.
All you have to do is log in and track the case!
13. Is Implant Concierge HIPAA compliant and safer than email?
Yes! Implant Concierge is HIPAA compliant using our double layered encryption, security certificate as well as HIPAA compliant password authentication. Access your case files remotely with security 24/7. Utilize the “Notes” tab to record critical notes between your Case Partners, which is much safer and more HIPAA compliant than your email.
14. How do I send large data files to Implant Concierge?
Implant Concierge™ has built in proprietary uploading tools that allow you to quickly and safely upload large DICOM data sets and .stl files. This integrated uploader is easier and safer than DropBox, HighTail, Yousend and other 3rd party uploading services!
15. How do I send you my CBCT scan?
Simple! Export the multi-file DICOM from your CBCT scanner or from the disk provided by your CBCT Scan Site to your desktop and compress/ zip the folder. Next, click on the “Upload DICOM” action button in the Implant Concierge Patient Profile, attach the zipped folder and select “Upload Files”! For more detailed information, please see our “Exporting DICOM” section and locate the correct document for your CBCT machine.
16. Can I mail you my disk with the CBCT scan?
Yes, you can mail it to us. However, we prefer that you upload your CBCT Scans to Implant Concierge™. Why? It is faster, safer and more reliable to upload it to our website directly. Save shipping costs and get a faster turn-around by uploading.
If you still insist on mailing it to us, here is our address!
Implant Concierge
11503 NW Military Hwy, Ste. #212
San Antonio, TX 78231
17. How do I export my DICOM/CBCT scan?
All CBCT machines are federally regulated to allow you to export DICOM Multi-File. However, each machine exports DICOM differently! You can see a list of different CBCT machines and how to export the DICOM under our “Exporting DICOM” section. If your CBCT brand is not listed, please call us so we can add it! If you need any additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!
18. What are radiographic markers and where can I purchase them?
Radiographic markers are placed on a WELL FITTING/HARD RELINED DENTURE and show up on the CBCT acquisition. Ideally, 6-8 radiopaque markers are placed on the denture – split between the buccal and lingual/palatal. You can call to purchase a box of 110 stickers for $40. If you need assistance placing the markers, please see our How To document titled “Placement of the SureMark Markers“.
19. Do I need a barium sulfate scanning appliance?
No! Implant Concierge highly recommends the Dual Scan Protocol. Instead of incurring the extra costs of creating a scanning appliance before you know if you can even place implants, now, all we need you to do is add radiographic markers to the denture and take a CBCT scan! Just make sure that the denture is well-fitting and hard-relined. That is the KEY to success for fully edentulous, mucosa borne surgical guides!
20. Do I need a duplicated denture?
No! If the denture is well-fitting and hard-relined, that is ALL that Implant Concierge needs! Add a few radiographic markers, take two CBCT scans are we are off to the races!
***(If you are using a Sirona, please visit our “Fully Edentulous Sirona Dual CBCT Scan Protocol” document in the “Scanning Protocol” section of our Support Page.)***
21. Do I need a radiographic prosthesis or scanning appliance?
No! All we need is a CBCT scan of the patient (wearing NO radio opaque appliance) and slight separation of the occlusion. A thick bite registration material or cotton rolls work great!
– Fully Edentulous cases: Requires a hard-relined, well-fitting denture with radiographic markers that are adhered to denture.
– Partially Edentulous cases: Requires a simple diagnostic wax-up and a pick-up impression of a patient’s removal partial denture.
For more detailed information, please review the 4 Workflows on our Support Page in “Getting Started“!
22. Do I need DICOM conversion?
Simplant made this term famous! Now, instead of a DICOM Conversion fee, we add a Virtual Implant Planning (VIP) fee ($150) that includes the conversion from DICOM to the treatment planning software, an initial treatment plan, a Final VIP online virtual surgery and any merging of DICOM and stl files. Why buy software, spend over 1.5 – 2 hours doing all of these steps when Implant Concierge will do it all for you! You don’t need to worry about software costs, software training and precious chair-time or personal time behind a computer. That’s why we are here!
23. What is a board certified oral & maxillofacial radiologist?
Oral and maxillofacial radiologists (OMR) produce and interpret images of the jaws, teeth, bone and other structures of the head and neck region. Radiologists are involved in the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions that affect this area of the body (http://www.aaomr.org)
24. What Intra-Oral Scanners are compatible with Implant Concierge?
The easy answer, Implant Concierge is compatible with ANY IOS that exports .stl files. If you can get the .stl file, then we are good to go! No need to ship models or pick up impressions of RPD’s or diagnostic wax-up models, just scan and upload Implant Concierge the .stl file(s)!
We are currently receiving IOS .stl files from the following IOS devices. If your device is not listed, let us know and we will add it!
– iTero
– 3Shape
– 3M
– Cerec Omni-cam* (requires additional $15 conversion)
25. Is Implant Concierge compatible with my Cerec?
Yes! Even though Cerec has gone through great measures to keep their system closed and not work with service based companies such as Implant Concierge… where there is a will, there is a way! Implant Concierge has partnered with a local lab that has the ability to convert the protected “.ilab” Cerec IOS to a .stl. It will cost you an additional $15, but that sure beats having to take an alginate, pour it up, package it and then ship it to us!
26. How do you bill me?
We bill on a case by case basis. Once your surgical guide gets printed and shipped, that is when the billing process begins. We charge the card you have placed on file and you will receive an invoice on the patient case.
27. How do I report issues or get answers to additional questions?
You may report issues or ask questions by emailing support@implantconcierge.com
You may also call us at (866) 977-2228 Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm CST.
Provisional FAQ
1. What is a surgery-ready provisional?
A non-functioning, temporary, customized crown that can be placed at the time of surgery, compatible with your implant system.
2. How can Implant Concierge™ fabricate accurate provisionals before surgery?
Implant Concierge will utilize your ideal virtual restorative based treatment plan and CAD/CAM Surgical Guide as our digital blue-print to create a surgery ready provisional that will be delivered to your office with the surgical guide. A fully digital workflow allows for chair-side efficiencies during the surgical appointment and reduces the need for impressions and multiple appointments after implant placement. By combining Implant Concierge™ online treatment planning assistance, computer-assisted manufactured surgical guides, and traditional dental laboratory procedures, implant placement can be simulated in the dental laboratory. Provisionals will be “cored-out” allowing a quick chair-side pick-up to accommodate slight variables in depth and direction of the implant placement. Implant Concierge™ can deliver custom, computer-assisted manufactured surgical guides, abutments, and provisionals that are ready for surgery!
3. Why use an Implant Concierge Surgery-Ready Provisional?
– Soft tissue support: Provide the necessary soft tissue support immediately to improve your esthetic results while providing a tooth worth smiling over.
– Doctor: Eliminate the time of creating a provisional chair-side or second appointment to begin the important but tedious process of creating a custom tissue former.
– Patient: Avoid soft tissue growth which leads to lancing site later.
4. What type of surgery-ready provisionals does Implant Concierge offer?
– Custom Tissue Former: $128
– Custom Abutment with Cement-Retained Crown: $190
– Full Contoured Screw-Retained Crown: $145
5. What is an Implant Concierge Immediate Provisional made of?
Implant Concierge mills your patient specific PMMA (Poly Methyl Methacrylate Acrylic) abutment (titanium base – strong, less corrosive), crown and tissue-former out of PMMA that is bonded to a non-engaging implant specific Ti-Base.
6. Do we mill the provisionals ourselves?
No, we use a local lab to mill our designs.
7. What brand of components do we use?
We use Glidewell components for the ti-bases.
8. Compatibility:
We are compatible with all implant systems except the following:
– Sweeden and Martina, Thommen
– BioHorizon 3.0 (brand name components will cost additional and will have a delay in production)
– Anklos fee
9. Non-Splinted Surgery Ready Provisional Requirements
– Maxillary and Mandibular Stone Models/Digital Impressions
– Bite registration
– VITA Tooth Shade
10. Custom Tissue Former 
Why use it?
– Ideal use is to provide immediate tissue support.
– It will protrude out of the tissue 1-3 mm and will be out of occlusion.
– Easily modified by clinician.
What is it?
– One piece PMMA material bonded to a Ti-Base.
– Screw-retained to implant.
– Standard vs customized healing abutment (see picture below).
When will it be used?
– Single sites only; not splinted.
– Posterior cases.
– Anterior cases in conjunction with a flipper.
Cost: $128 per Custom Tissue Former
11. Custom Abutment with Cement-Retained Crown 
Why use it?
– Provide immediate tissue support.
– Highly esthetic appearance.
– Creates an implant crown margin which allows the doctor to extend the base of the provisional out from the soft tissue/implant and prevents micro particles of concrete from being deep in the tissue.
– Easier to clean.
What is it?
– Two piece, custom abutment PMMA material bonded to a Ti-Base.
– Custom abutment is screw-retained to the implant. PMMA crown is temporarily cemented to the custom abutment.
When will it be used?
– Single Posterior/Anterior units.
– Bridges/Multi-Unit splinted restorations
Cost: $190 per Custom Abutment with Cement-Retained Crown
12. Full Contour Screw Retained Crown 
Why use it?
– Provide immediate tissue support.
– Highly esthetic appearance.
– Minimize any “cement margins”.
What is it?
– One piece, custom abutment PMMA “tooth” bonded to a Ti-Base.
– Crown is screw-retained directly to the implant.
When will it be used?
– Posterior single unit cases.
– Anterior single unit cases.
Cost: $145 per Full Contour Screw-Retained Crown
13. Additional Information
– Abutments for Provisionals are Temporary.
– If a tooth is missing, a Virtual Wax Up fee will be added to the Provisional cost. (IE: Tooth #8 is missing, cost: $25 for the cost of the Virtual Wax Up + $145 for the cost of the Full Contour Screw Retained Crown = $170 Total)
– Must be fully guided.
Surgical Guide FAQ
1. What kind of surgical guides do you offer?
We offer three different surgical guide options: Pilot Only, Guided, and Fully Guided.
2. What is the difference between a Pilot Only Guide, Guided, or Fully Guided?
Ultimately, the answer is accuracy. If you want the most accurate implant placement and the ability to have surgery ready provisionals, you will need to invest in a “Fully Guided Kit”. If your implant manufacturer does not offer one, then you will need to consider a different implant manufacturer until they do.
Here is a basic explanation between the three guided options; Pilot, Guided, Fully Guided:
Pilot Only Guide: It is what is says it is! The Implant Concierge Master sleeve (embedded into the CAD/CAM surgical guide) allows your first implant drill to pass through the sleeve. If your pilot drill is ø2.0mm, then the Master sleeve will be ø2.10mm. A few implant manufacturers sell a Depth Control Pilot drill. If you want depth control but your implant manufacturer does not sell a drill with a depth stop, Implant Concierge can provide one for you for $55! Let us know and we can help you out!
Guided: A Guided Kit is nice because it provides depth and direction for each drill of the osteotomy process. The Implant Concierge Master Sleeve is the perfect diameter to accept the implant manufacturers handles or spoons. In addition, the master sleeve is positioned on the “Z” axis to also provide depth control.
Fully Guided: The Fully Guided Kit takes you all the way! Not only are all implant drills guided through the Master sleeve, depth and direction, but the implant is also placed through the Implant Concierge Master Sleeve! Depending upon the system, these specialized guided implant drivers (sometimes referred to as implant mounts) come with the Fully Guided Kit or they are sold already connected to the implant. Be sure to ask your implant representative or your Implant Concierge 3D Case Coordinator to make sure that you order the right “guided implant” SKU. Examples of Fully Guided are: Nobel Guide, Straumann Guided, Camlog, Astra EV, Neoss, MIS, BioHorizons and more….
3. What Guided Surgery Kits are Implant Concierge™ CAD/CAM Surgical Guides compatible with?
Implant Concierge™ is compatible with most implant manufacturers guided surgery kits. In case we are not, let us know and we will get compatible! Here is our current list of our compatibility options:
– Astra EV
– Bicon Guided Implant Kit
– BioHorizons Guided Kit
– Biomet 3i Navigator System
– Camlog Guide System
– Dentsply (Astra)
– Hiossen Guided Kit
– Implant Concierge Pilot Drills (Depth & Direction)
– Implant Direct Guided Surgery Kit
– In2Guide Guided kit
– InVivo Handle / Insert Kit
– Megagen
– MIS Guided
– Neoss
– Neodent
– Nobel Guided
– OCO Biomedical
– Ritter Dental Implants
– Simplant Long Stop / Universal Drill Kit
– Straumann Guided Surgery Kit
– Sweden & Martina Guided Kit
– Thummen
– Zimmer Guided Surgery Kit
4. What if I don’t own my manufacturer’s Guided Surgical Kit? Can Implant Concierge still help me?
Of course! We have manufacturer’s guided kits that you can lease for as little as $150. We always figure out a solution! Just give us a call so we can help you determine what is best for your case.
5. What type of surgical guides are available through Implant Concierge?
Implant Concierge provides surgical guides for any type of case! Because we are a service-based company, we provide solutions using many different guided treatment planning softwares allowing us to create or order a surgical guide for ANY type of case. Based upon the needs, we will recommend the best software solution for you! All on 4, All on 6, Immediate Extract/Immediate Place, Soft tissue borne, bone borne, bone reduction, tooth borne or hybrid surgical guides… We can do it!!
6. Do I have to use anchor pins for a soft tissue borne guide?
No, you don’t have to, but in some cases, you would be silly not to! Unlike our competitors, Implant Concierge does not charge extra to add anchor pins to your surgical guide. If your guided kit does not come with anchor drills and pins, Implant Concierge offers an Anchor Pin Set (One drill & three ∅1.5mm pins) for $120! If you already have a compatible drill, we can provide a set of 3 pins for $65.
Your Implant Concierge 3D Case Coordinator will help you make a decision during your Final Virtual Implant Planning (VIP) meeting if the anchor pins would be helpful or not. However, usually all fully edentulous mandibles will be better served to have anchor pins placed! For hybrid designs – both tooth and muscosa support – as well as fully edentulous maxillary cases, it usually comes down to user preference!
7. What are the advantages of guided surgery?
True Crown-Down philosophy:
– Place implants in restorative position with bone in mind
– Eliminate surprises due to full anatomy disclosure
– Transfer virtual plan to mouth
Efficient & predictable surgery:
– Minimize surgery time
– Less invasive
– Minimizes discomfort
– Minimize healing time
Know exact materials needed:
– Grafting materials and quantity
– Implant sizes
– Abutment selection
– Provisionals pre-fabricated
Increase case acceptance:
– Patient knowledge
– Provide an accurate & detailed cost/time expectation
8. Why does Implant Concierge offer different manufacturer surgical guides?
While Implant Concierge prefers to provide you with our in-house printed surgical guides, we understand that there are certain cases where other guides might be better for a specific reason or you might have a specific guide preference. At our core, we are a SERVICE based, consultative company that wants to provide the most comprehensive options available. We aren’t going to force you with a specific guide manufacturer or try to sell you software over the phone. That’s not our culture.
9. What is the ADA dental code for a surgical guide?
D6190
10. What is the difference between milled and printed surgical guide?
Both processes are very accurate! Milling technically is more accurate. BUT, printing is on a 16 micron level, which is VERY accurate. We are talking about 3 – 5 microns vs. 16 microns. However, and unlike a crown, because the guide is cross arch, there HAS to be some offset for it to fit and seat.
11. What is an Implant Concierge CAD/CAM Surgical Guide?
An Implant Concierge CAD/CAM surgical guide is a guide that we customize with you during our Virtual Implant Treatment Planning session. During this VIP meeting, we determine the position of the guided sleeves that are compatible with your surgical kit as well as customize any special design features such as inspection and irrigation windows and the fit of the guide. Once we finish the design, that design is then sent to our in-house 3D medical grade FDA approved printer in San Antonio, TX, that allows us to ensure great QC measures!
12. How do I order an Implant Concierge CAD/CAM Surgical Guide?
Simple! Go to www.implantconcierge.com and log in and select, “Create Implant Concierge Case”.
13. Why does Implant Concierge have a simple flat price for its surgical guides?
Implant Concierge believes in flat pricing for two core reasons: simplicity and affordability. We are here to make guided surgery a reality for any practice and for any patient. Providing concierge type service and passion with an extremely competitive flat price makes it impossible to say no to us!
14. How long does it take to receive my surgical guide?
After the online Virtual Implant Planning session where you finalize your treatment plan, you will then digitally sign the Authorization form. Once we receive your authorization, we will go to print within 8 business hours. Yes, it is possible to have your guide within 12-48 hours of your authorization! Of course, if you want to cut to the front of the line, then we add a $75 Rush Processing charge. But, if you need a guide quickly, that’s peanuts! We are serious about service!
15. How accurate are Implant Concierge Surgical Guides?
Very! Ultimately, the fit of the guide is only as good as the final model / impression / IOS that you provide to Implant Concierge. Using cutting edge technology, like 3Shape optical scanners, DWOS software, and Objet Medical Grade FDA approved 3D printers that print on 16 micron levels, these guides fit amazing! In fact, the guides are so accurate, we have built in an offset just so the guides will fit! Otherwise, they won’t fit over the top of the supporting structure.
Auto-Approval FAQ
What is Auto Approval
Auto Approval is for simple, single implant site cases, only. This workflow allows Implant Concierge to provide an Initial Treatment plan as well as a short, 1-2 minute video for the doctor to review and accept immediately if they choose. Upon reviewing the provided video, the doctor may choose to:
(1) approve our treatment plan with no changes and send the case directly into guide design and fabrication, or
(2) they may choose to make small edits via a note to us in the Auto Approval Platform, or
(3) if they need more discussion time with our team, revert the case back to normal workflow and schedule a VIP meeting
Auto Approval cases must fall into a very specific set of guidelines as outlined below.
What Does Auto Approval Mean
Auto Approval workflow means reduced time away from their patients as well as office and personal schedules, and faster case start to fabrication time frame. With the ability to log into Implant Concierge and review their 2-minute video, they can quickly approve cases between patients instead of reserving 30 or more minutes to review their simple, and likely very well planned case!
Criteria
(1) Implant Brands: All implant brands
(2) Instrumentation: Guided Surgical Kit or Pilot Only
(3) Models: Must have acceptable models which are ready for registration
(4) Single implant case only
