Consultants’ Comments

• “This product exceeded my expectations.”
• “Works well in most situations.”
• “A real time saver.”
• “Access window was very small and easy to repair if re-using the crown.”
• “Most crowns with ceramic veneers were damaged during removal.”
• “The long, straight shank makes access to some teeth difficult.”
• “One size smaller would be helpful.”

Description

WAMkey is a crown-and-bridge-removal instrument. It is designed to be faster than cutting and splitting the crown and safe for patients. After cutting only a narrow slot into the buccal or lingual surface of the crown, WAMkey is inserted into the slot and rotated, breaking the cement seal and lifting the crown off of the abutment. WAMkey is autoclavable stainless steel and comes in three sizes available individually or as a complete set. The set evaluated contained three WAMkeys (small, medium and large), CD with full instructions for use, Quick Guide, and three tungsten carbide burs. WAMkey was evaluated by 17 consultants in 306 uses. It received a 92% clinical rating.

Product Features

After consultants gained some experience preparing the slot in the proper location, WAMkey became a useful and effective instrument for crown and bridge removal. Compared to sectioning a crown or use of tapping devices for removal, WAMkey was quicker, quieter, and less traumatic to patients. Creating an access slot without damaging the crown is not always possible; but in some cases, the crown can be removed, repaired and re-used. Crowns with ceramic veneers were sometimes damaged during removal. Seventy-six percent of consultants reported that WAMkey was better than their current crown removal procedure, and they would switch to WAMkey and would recommend it.

Clinical Tips

• Cut the slot at the level of the occlusal cement layer and to a depth of the central fossa or beyond.
• Make the access hole large enough.
• Use a rotational motion – like turning a key – rather than a prying motion.