Product Evaluation

Previously faced with the challenge of “minimizing iatrogenic bony trauma during implant site preparation,” Serv Wahan, DMD, MD, found that the Nobel Biocare N1 system “did 2 things: simplified the osteotomy procedure by a lot, while the drill speed and protocol treated the bone better.”

A next-generation immediate implant system, the Nobel Biocare N1 is designed to preserve vital bone and boost clinical efficiency. In most cases, clinicians can place an N1 implant in just 2 steps. With reduced chair time and fewer appointments leading up to the final restoration, the system also improves the overall patient experience.

“This is a huge change from conventional implant protocols—and a welcome one for more lasting results,” Dr. Wahan continued, praising the simplicity of the system. Having used it for “higher risk cases, such as patients on osteoporosis medications and those with bone density issues or a history of radiation,” he assured the Nobel Biocare N1 “works well for anyone.”

Strong, Stable, and Minimally Invasive Design

Thanks to the Nobel Biocare N1’s OsseoShaper instruments, clinicians can easily minimize hard tissue trauma with low-speed drilling and no irrigation. The abutments feature a Xeal surface, which optimizes soft tissue integration and promotes long-term tissue health and stability, while the implant’s trioval conical connection (TCC) alleviates stress on the cortical bone during placement and promotes faster osseointegration.

When asked what they liked best about the implant system, Sukhdeep Dhaliwal, DMD, MD, FACS, appreciated the “simplified drilling protocol with OsseoShapers,” while Donald Nikchevich Jr., DDS, lauded the “theory of increased bone retention with OsseoShaper drills.” He recalled a “narrow ridge lateral incisor case where excellent stability was achieved without grafting.”

Looking for “predictability and preservation of bone, and ease of restoring while minimizing peri-implant bone loss,” Kevin Chen, DMD, MS, found that the Nobel Biocare N1 “combines all the great features in implant design,” and that he only needs “2 drills to place the implant with less trauma to bone.” He added, “The Xeal base provides a hemidesmosome connection for an epithelial seal.”

“The N1 has very nice, accurate insertion with good primary stability,” said Michael Hartman, DMD, MD. “The new drill design is excellent for creating osteotomies, and the implant itself places smoothly and accurately with an ideal thread design that provides excellent primary stability—especially in immediate placement cases.” Dr. Nikchevich added, “The implant is trioval shaped, so it matches the anterior teeth emergence profile well.”

Versatile Restorative Components

The Nobel Biocare N1 system can be used for implant, base, and multiunit abutment restorative workfl ows. Several self-guided workflows help clinicians better understand temporary and healing components, impression-taking options, required tooling across a variety of procedures, and more.

“I’ve done many cases with the system, from single-unit anteriors to full-arch hybrid,” Dr. Dhaliwal said, while also suggesting wider diameter options for posterior cases.

Dr. Nikchevich said, “It’s a nice option for immediate temp cases,” and Dr. Chen pointed out, “The implant base can be removed for implant-level restoration if there is ever tissue loss for long-term flexibility.”

“For optimal outcomes, it’s essential that the restoring doctor and dental lab communicate closely during the planning and fabrication stages—especially for the first few cases,” Dr. Hartman explained. “Clear collaboration helps ensure the restoration aligns with the clinician’s preferences and that the full potential of the system is realized,” he continued, while Dr. Wahan recommended “more marketing to restorative dentists.”

Compatibility for a Digital Workflow

With the Nobel Biocare N1 system, clinicians can practice with convention-al or fully digital workflows using their preferred design software. “It completely changed my implant service into a digital process,” Dr. Chen noted.

“In one case involving a fractured maxillary first premolar, the patient was treatment planned using a fully guided digital workflow,” Dr. Hartman said. “The seamless integration of digital planning with the N1 system minimized chair time, enhanced surgical accuracy, and preserved critical soft tissue contours, ultimately resulting in a highly esthetic and functional outcome.”

“It allowed for a digital workflow,” agreed Dr. Dhaliwal. “I can obtain an intra-oral scan the day of surgery and deliver an office-printed provisional the next day.”

Overall Satisfaction

Previously seeking “a more efficient and reliable way to get primary implant stability for immediate load temporization cases in the esthetic zone,” Dr. Nikchevich found that the Nobel Biocare N1 did “very well.”

“From a surgical standpoint, the N1 represents a meaningful advancement over many traditional implant designs,” said Dr. Hartman. “The surgical protocol is intuitive, efficient, and thoughtfully engineered with the implant surgeon in mind. It is a genuine step forward in implant technology.”