Identification of dental implants through the use of Implant Recognition Software (IRS).

AIM To develop computer software to allow general dental practitioners and others to identify unidentified implants in patients' mouths using a range of criteria. METHODS Internet searches for implant manufacturing companies worldwide in all languages using terms: dental implants, dental implant manufacturers and dental implant companies. Once identified, all relevant information including images regarding dental implant products was collected even that for discontinued products. A program was then devised using key design factors to enable identification of individual implants. RESULTS The searches produced details for 87 implant manufacturers based in 21 countries with 231 different implant designs. The resultant program has been successfully trialled and used in both general dental practice and for forensic identification. CONCLUSION The program developed provides a valuable adjunct to the identification of implant systems present in patients' mouths.