A literature review on implant abutment and soft tissue response

ABSTRACT

In the implant prosthetic procedure, the soft tissue reaction was varied with the material and surface treatment of the abutment. It may be the cause of the peri-implantitis, and hence it can affect the long-term prognosis of the implant prosthesis. Titania and zirconia abutment presented superior biocompatibility and stable soft tissue reaction, while gold alloy abutment showed unfavorable reaction sometimes. A soft tissue reaction can be differed by the surface characteristics even in the same material type. Because rougher surface induces a bacterial attachment, the part contacting a soft tissue should have smooth surface. Additional surface treatment can enhance the cellular response without increasing bacterial attachment. Repeated removal and insertion of the abutment and the shape of the abutment may affect the soft tissue reaction, also. Ultrasonic cleaning and argon plasma cleaning are effective way to clean the retained micro-dust on the customized abutment.