Consensus

Clinical Performance of Single Implant Prostheses Restored Using Titanium Base Abutments

Consensus Statements

Consensus Statement 1: Implant-supported single crowns (iSC) on titanium base abutments show similar short term survival rates (1 year) to iSC restorations with other type of abutments. Based on a meta-analysis including six RCTs

Consensus Statement 2: The geometric designs of titanium base abutments vary considerably in transmucosal height, width, and contours. Current data does not provide solid guidelines for abutment selection criteria. Based on 21 prospective cohort studies and eight retrospective studies.

Consensus Statement 3: Technical complications of titanium base abutments occur at a low rate. Separation of the suprastructure from the titanium base abutment is the most frequent reported complication. Based on 21 prospective cohort studies and eight retrospective studies.

Clinical Recommendations

1) When should the implant abutment be selected?

Since abutments have important biological implications, the abutment selection should be considered during the implantprosthetic treatment planning phase prior to implant placement. Digital planning facilitates 3D visualization of the final prosthetic design and pre-operative abutment selection. The final selection is made after the maturation of the soft tissues.

2) Which titanium base abutment shoulder height should be selected for bone level conical-connection implants?

The selection of the titanium base abutment is conducted so that the shoulder is located sufficiently distanced from the bone and in a submucosal position with sufficient space for an optimal emergence profile.

3) Which factors do contribute to retention of suprastructures to the titanium base abutments?

Overall retention of the restorative material on the titanium base abutment is determined by: the retentive-attachment height and shape, resistance features and the adhesive cementation protocol. Clinicians are encouraged to maximize overall retention considering the available restorative space.

4) Can titanium base abutments be used for all single implant crowns?

When a titanium base abutment is considered for use but the standardized shapes do not allow for an adequate emergence profile contour or provide inadequate resistance and retentive features, the use of a customized abutment is recommended.

Patient Perspectives

1) What material will my implant crown be made of?

Nowadays we usually use monolithic ceramic materials for the suprastructure, meaning it is made entirely of one material, such as zirconia. These crowns are designed on a computer using CAD. Based on scientific evidence.

2) How will the crown be attached to my implant?

The crown is connected to the implant via a component called an abutment. There are many different types and designs of abutments including ones that are ready made and others that are custom made. Most abutments are made of a ceramic or metal material. The choice of abutment will depend on your specific situation. Based on scientific evidence.

3) Is there a difference in cost between the different types of abutments?

Ready-made components such as titanium abutments are usually less expensive. However, in some situations a customized abutment is required to achieve the best result. Based on scientific evidence.

Downloads and References

  • 7th ITI Consensus Conference
  • Consensus Statement
  • English
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  • Treatment Outcomes & Continuing Care

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