Each drill in the sequence removes a controlled increment. Skipping a step leaves the next drill cutting more than it was designed to, which raises both heat and torque.
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Drilling protocols, by density.
The published sequence for each implant diameter, varied across soft, medium and dense bone. These are the same figures printed on the protocol charts supplied with the surgical kits.
01 The sequence
Pick the density, read the sequence.
Bone density decides how far the osteotomy is taken for the same implant diameter. Select a density to see only the sequence that applies.
Fewer drills, leaving more bone to engage. Under-preparation is what carries primary stability here.
The standard sequence for most sites — enough preparation to seat without over-compressing.
The full sequence. Dense cortical bone needs the osteotomy taken closer to final diameter to avoid heat and excessive insertion torque.
| Implant Ø | Soft bone | Medium bone | Dense bone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 mm | 2.0 | 2.0 → 2.4 → 2.8 | 2.0 → 2.4 → 2.8 → 3.2 |
| 4.0 mm | 2.0 → 2.4 | 2.0 → 2.4 → 2.8 → 3.2 | 2.0 → 2.4 → 2.8 → 3.2 → 3.6 |
| 4.5 mm | 2.0 → 2.4 → 2.8 → 3.2 | 2.0 → 2.4 → 2.8 → 3.2 → 3.6 | 2.0 → 2.4 → 2.8 → 3.2 → 3.6 → 4.2 |
| 5.0 mm | 2.0 → 2.4 → 2.8 → 3.2 → 3.6 | 2.0 → 2.4 → 2.8 → 3.2 → 3.6 → 4.2 | 2.0 → 2.4 → 2.8 → 3.2 → 3.6 → 4.2 → 4.6 |
Figures are drill diameters in millimetres, used in the order shown.
02 Why it is ordered this way
Four rules the sequence assumes.
Bone is heat-sensitive: sustained temperature above roughly 47°C for a minute is enough to compromise the osteotomy. Copious irrigation matters more than drill speed.
The same implant diameter has three different sequences depending on the bone it is going into. The table below is read across, not down.
The drills in the tray are laid out in the same order as the published sequence. If the tray and the chart disagree, stop and confirm before continuing.
03 Printed charts
The charts that ship with the kits.
Each surgical kit carries the protocol for its own platform. These are the same charts, reproduced at full size.
Need the protocol for a series not shown here?
Every series has a published sequence — tell us which one you're placing and the team will send the chart and the IFU.