ISQ Machine Procedure

ISQ Machine: Determine Dental Implant Stability Quicker & Easier

After a titanium or zirconia implant is placed in a patients jaw bone, it requires time to osseointegrate within the bone. Traditionally, after four to six months, a surgeon will evaluate implant stability with a torque or percussion test. This could potentially damage the dental implant if more healing is required.

ISQ Machine

Quickly Identify When Implants are Ready

Dr. Costa has invested in a more advanced dental implant diagnostic tool called the Osstell IDx (Osstell IDx Resource Page – Osstell – Implant Stability.).

This advanced tool helps to quickly and easily identify when implants are ready for implant crowns. Instead of torquing or tapping on your implant, Dr. Costa uses Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA) to determine implant stability and osseointegration. While this process sounds complicated, it involves simply placing a small metal SmartPeg into your dental implant with finger tightness and sending a small radio signal down the implant. In a few seconds, you’ll know whether your implant is ready for a crown. That’s it! Now Dr. Costa can accurately tell you exactly when your implant is finished healing. Knoxville Smiles at Malone & Costa Dentistry takes these extra steps to deliver more thorough care.

Dr. Micheal Costa

Dr. Costa

Dr. Stephen Malone

Dr. Malone


Knoxville Smiles at Malone & Costa Dentistry offers a unique dental care experience to our patients in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas. The crew is committed to protecting and increasing the natural beauty of your smile by employing conservative, cutting-edge techniques that result in attractive, long-lasting smiles!

Our dedicated and experienced team of doctors includes Dr. Stephen Malone, D.M.D., University of Louisville, and Dr. Michael Costa, D.D.S., UNC School of Dentistry, M.H.A., UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill, NC. They are firm believers in continuing education to provide their patients with the finest possible care.

Drs. Costa and Malone see their patients as real partners in their service. Our team is committed to making your dental care journey as pleasant as possible.

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