The management of screw channels is critical in the lifecycle of an implant restoration and existing options present many limitations. FirstPlug® is a medical-grade PTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) screw channel barrier for implant-supported restorations. It is intended to facilitate the removal of the retaining screw by excluding the overlying restorative filling from the screw head recess and screw channel. The material is supplied non-sterile; a desired amount of material is cut into individual pieces and then placed directly into the screw channel or sterilized in the dental autoclave prior to use. Material selection for covering implant abutment screws is important to limit leakage, which has been shown to negatively impact peri-implant tissues. FirstPlug is the ideal barrier material, providing a good seal to limit leakage, is pliable, biologically inert, and easily retrievable. With every detail engineered to fit the clinical application, FirstPlug’s cylindrically shaped plug seats easily in the screw channel without rolling or twisting; the patented medical-grade PTFE has the right compression characteristics for packing and sealing the screw access chamber, as well as sufficient stiffness to support the overlying restorative materials. The material is also biocompatible and hydrophobic. FirstPlug’s medical-grade properties are superior to commonly used materials and have been optimized for safe and efficient use in the dentaloffice. Made of PTFE that’s manufactured in the U.S.A., the FirstPlug systemis manufactured, assembled, and packaged under strict medical device protocols and quality systems. Efficient dispensing system saves chair time. Easy to pack and remove. Dense and strong material; provides a solid foundation for the overlaying restorative material. Avoids waste. Medical grade material inspires confidence in safety and quality. Dedicated placement and removal instruments.
