Demystifying the implant abutment for successful clinical outcomes: clinicians viewpoint

Abstract:

The implant abutment is the transmucosal element that connects the implant to the oral environment. Apart from the requirement for an optimal connection of the abutment to the implant, the design of the abutment can have a significant effect on the crestal bone levels surrounding the implant as well as the quality of the soft tissue attachment and the overall aesthetic outcome.

The abutment design parameters are wide ranging and include the materials used to construct the abutment such as gold, titanium or zirconia; the use of stock or customised abutments; the size and emergence profile of the abutments and the use of screw versus cement retention for the restoration.

This presentation will attempt to demystify the implant abutment from a clinical and biological perspective with the aim of reducing biofilm retention, maintaining crestal bone levels and optimising soft tissue health.

 Robert Oretti will discuss and show how to avoid complications that may lead to peri implantitis and poor aesthetics. The emphasis will be on achieving predictable outcomes ranging from the restoration of single implants to full arch cases.

Aims & Learning Objectives:

•  understand appropriate selection in relation to the implant platform, 3D orientation of the implant, interocclusal space and the height of the soft tissues
• understand how the prosthetic model has evolved to minimise biological and technical complications
• understand emergence profile considerations in relation to the size of the abutment and height of abutment base in relation to the crestal bone and the transmucosal shape. This will include the advantages and disadvantages of custom compared to stock abutments
• understanding of further consideration during abutment selection which include cleansability of the restoration, the biocompatibility of the chosen material and whether the restoration is to be screw retained or cement retained