Clinical, Technical, and Radiologic Outcomes of 182 Implant-Supported Zirconia Single Crowns Using Titanium-Base Abutments: A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the biologic, technical, and radiographic outcomes of CAD/CAM-milled bilayer and monolithic zirconia crowns using implants and Ti-base abutments with up to 5 years of follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 182 implant-supported "screw-mentable" (hybrid screw/cement retention) single crowns were evaluated in 118 patients. Ti-base abutments were selected according to the chimney (3.5 or 5 mm) and gingival (1, 2, or 3 mm) heights in the virtual model. Zirconia crowns were designed using CAD/CAM software and then milled from partially stabilized zirconia blocks. After all crowns were cemented onto Ti-base abutments, they were clinically screwed onto the implants. Both implants and crowns were followed up for up to 5 years, and their clinical, technical, and radiologic results were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients (86 women and 32 men) who received 182 implant-supported screw-mentable crowns were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 32 ± 18 months (range: 24 to 60 months) for all implants and crowns. No implant was lost during the follow-up period, yielding a cumulative implant survival rate of 100%. Two technical complications were observed in two bruxer patients, yielding a cumulative restoration survival rate of 98.9%. The marginal bone loss was 0.7 ± 0.5 mm from the baseline radiograph to the radiograph taken at the final recall visit. No implants were diagnosed with peri-implantitis. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this study suggest that Ti-base abutments are a feasible and affordable alternative to CAD/CAM abutments and that they can successfully support single zirconia crowns.

Selecting the Right Intraoral Scanner to Transform Your Practice.

In recent years digital technology has transformed the practice of modern dentistry, with intraoral scanners (IOSs) being among the most significant materializations of this digital boom. IOSs eliminate the need for traditional impression materials and allow for the immediate digital capture of a 3-dimentional (3D) object being scanned.4 When assessing the "most ideal" IOS for a dental practice, key considerations include the types of procedures being performed, practice demands, and patient demographics. Only after an initial practice assessment has been made can advantages and disadvantages of various IOSs be compared against practice needs.