Healing Abutments Research Articles

Bridging the Gap with Nanoparticles: A Novel Approach

Two-piece implants unavoidably present a microgap between the implant and the abutment interface. Although numerous modalities have been attempted to overcome this situation, the implant abutment interface still remains a critical point for microbial colonization, which starts an inflammatory cascade of events eventually compromising the implants. Throughout our life, cells in all biological systems are unprotected to oxidative stress leading to the formation of Reactive oxygen species which is of concern when it comes to placing implants in patients who are periodontally compromised. This necessitates the development of alternative therapeutic modalities, which could counteract as well as prevent the microbial overload and ROS generation thereby improving the longevity of implants. To evaluate and assess the antibacterial, antioxidant and anti inflammatory effectiveness of quercetin-loaded titanium nanocomposites as coatings over healing abutments. Quercetin-loaded titanium nanocomposites were synthesized using green synthesis and confirmation was done using UV spectroscopy. Healing abutments were coated with the formulated nanocomposites, an intra-oral environment was simulated by thermocycling. Their antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity were assessed using standard tests. Healing abutments were coated with the formulated nanocomposites, an intra-oral environment was simulated by thermocycling. They showed potent antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, which could prove beneficial in a variety of clinical scenarios in which there is a high risk for implant failure during early osseointegration.

The Use of Enamel Matrix Derivative to Modulate Wound Healing of Peri-implant Soft Tissues.

Following implant placement, a soft tissue barrier will form at the healing abutment connection called peri-implant mucosa. The dimension of this anatomical structure seems to play a key role in maintaining long-term peri-implant and marginal bone level stability. In its early stages, soft tissue healing is a process involving many cellular and molecular events. Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) may improve and accelerate soft tissue wound healing and inflammatory resolution. In the present split-mouth randomized clinical trial, EMD was used to influence the early phase of soft tissue healing around dental implants placed with a single-stage approach into a completely healed ridge. A total of 60 implants were placed in 30 patients (2 implants per patient, one in the test group and one in the control group). In the test sites, EMD was administered around the healing abutment before soft tissues were sutured. Soft tissue healing index (HI) and secondary endpoints (clinical, radiographic, and patientreported outcomes) were measured. Better outcomes were recorded in patients receiving EMD for all parameters. The present results support the use of EMD to improve and accelerate soft tissue wound healing around implants.

Comparative evaluation of the antibacterial activity of red diode laser therapy and 0.2% chlorhexidine against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans on implant healing abutments: An ex vivo study.

The intraoral microbiota has a high potential to undergo dysbiosis, causing inflammatory changes with respect to the tissues surrounding either a natural tooth or an implant. Thus, the longevity of implant prosthesis depends on a thorough implant decontamination protocol. Among all the techniques available for doing so, laser is garnering increasing popularity, owing to minimal bleeding, high efficiency, and faster healing. However, limited literature exists regarding the superiority of lasers over chlorhexidine (CHX), the indisputable gold standard antibacterial chemical agent. The aim of this study was to compare the percentage of bacterial reduction of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans from implant healing abutments post red diode laser therapy versus 0.2% CHX treatment. The current study had an ex vivo, observational, case-control design. Patients reporting for the second stage of the implant surgery were taken as the source of data and the healing abutments, the clinical samples. Eleven patients were chosen with one intraoral implant serving as the test site for laser treatment and another, the control site for CHX treatment. Microbiological analysis was performed via quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction to compare the bacterial reduction percentage after each treatment. Repeated measures ANOVA and independent sample t test were used. The mean bacterial viability of the test group (laser) was 1.2%-1.6%, and 0.6%-1.4% for the control group (CHX). The former caused a mean bacterial reduction of 96.1% while the latter, 96.3%. Both the treatments caused a highly statistically significant reduction of viable bacterial counts (P = 0.001). However, when compared, there was no statistically significant difference in the bacterial reduction, when compared in between the two (P = 0.902). Laser treatment is at par with chemical implant surface decontamination. It can help bypass the complications of CHX and revolutionize the protocols for implant surface decontamination.

Effects of adjacent periodontitis on osseointegrated dental implants.

This study aimed to investigate whether new-onset periodontitis or apical periodontitis in the adjacent teeth affects osseointegrated dental implants in a beagle dog model. One control group and 2 experimental groups (periodontitis and apical periodontitis groups) were defined based on the presence of experimental periodontitis or apical periodontitis, with 1 beagle dog randomly assigned to each group. The mandibular second and fourth premolars on both sides of the 3 beagles were extracted. Eight weeks after extraction, 4 bone-level implant fixtures, 2 on both sides of each mandible, were placed in each beagle. Six weeks after implant surgery, healing abutments were connected. After sufficient osseointegration, plaque control was performed in the control group, while periodontitis and apical periodontitis were induced in the experimental groups. The beagles were euthanized for histological analyses 20 weeks after induction of experimental periodontitis. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test with the Bonferroni correction to compare the 3 groups. The implants in the control and apical periodontitis groups were well-maintained, while those in the periodontitis group showed clinical signs of inflammation with bone resorption. The bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone area values in the periodontitis group were lower than those in the other groups. The distance between the implant shoulder and the first BIC was significantly greater in the periodontitis group than in the control group (P<0.05). The presence of periodontitis in adjacent teeth can pose a risk to dental implants, potentially resulting in peri-implantitis. However, this was not observed for apical periodontitis. Within the limitations of this study, periodontal care is necessary to reduce the impact of periodontitis in adjacent teeth on osseointegrated implants.

3D-printed-tooth for socket and soft tissue preservation in the aesthetic zone: Clinical protocol and case report

Background: Since 1965, Dental Implantology and rehabilitation have evolved significantly, changing the paradigms in oral rehabilitation, from single-tooth replacement to complex maxillofacial reconstructions secondary to trauma or pathologic entities.Methods: The main goal of this article is throughout the preoperative, surgical and restorative phase, trace the path to copy the technique and get similar results in coincident patients. A brand new protocol step by step is written and detailed from previous techniques with the aid of CAD-CAM Technologies. Clinical Results: Soft tissue management on provisional with critical and subcritical emergence maintenance and select the most accurate healing abutment. The technique must be used precisely to achieve similar outcomes.Conclusions: Dental Implants play an essential role in oral rehabilitation. We must update and analyze treatments, co-working hand-by-hand with digital technologies. Further prospective randomized clinical studies are required to objectively measure this technique's clinical outcomes, which we are expecting to publish in the future.

Re-use of Dental Implant Healing Abutments: An Appraisal on Decontamination Procedures

Re-use of Dental Implant Healing Abutments: An Appraisal on Decontamination Procedures

The Effectiveness of a Bioactive Healing Abutment as a Local Drug Delivery System to Impact Peri-Implant Mucositis: A Prospective Case Series Study.

Modern dental therapy makes use of prosthetic implant reconstructions, which are supported or retained on dental implants. The most frequent, long-term complications associated with these prosthetic implants include mucositis and peri-implantitis. Since mucositis is the initial inflammation of tissues supporting the dental implant, the management of this condition is thus crucial. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the placement of bioactive healing abutment for 48 h, in patients diagnosed with peri-implant mucositis. Moreover, the quantitative and qualitative shift in the bacterial profile of the biofilm present in the peri-implant pockets, was assessed by means of RT-PCR genotyping. Each patient was examined using a commercially available PET test protocol: the first sample was taken upon diagnosis (after which the bioactive healing abutment, with clindamycin at a dose of 30 mg, was used for 48 h and replaced with the prosthetic superstructure used so far by a patient); the second sample was taken two weeks after removal of the bioactive healing abutment. The effects of the intervention were clinically assessed using the PET test after the two weeks. A significant reduction in mucositis was observed following treatment, as measured by periodontal indices: modified Sulcus Bleeding Index-mBI (p &lt; 0.001), modified Plaque Index-PLI (r = 0.69, Z= -4.43; p &lt; 0.001) and probing depth-PD (Z = -4.61; p &lt; 0.001). Significant differences in the occurrence of periopathogenic bacteria were also observed: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (p &lt; 0.014; Z = -2.45; r = 0.38), Treponema denticola (p &lt; 0.005; Z = -2.83; r = 0.44), Tannerella forsythia (p &lt; 0.001; Z = -4.47; r = 0.69) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (p &lt; 0.132; Z = -1.51).

Effects of customized CAD/CAM abutments on cytokine levels in peri-implant crevicular fluid during early implant healing: a pilot study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess levels of biomarkers associated with inflammation and tissue destruction in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) of implants provided with customized or standard healing abutments during early implant healing.Materials and methodsThirty implants were placed in 22 patients with partial posterior edentulism. Subsequently, test group implants (n=15) received one-piece titanium abutments that were fabricated using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Control group implants (n=15) were provided with standard abutments. PICF collection and standardized periapical radiographs were carried out at suture removal one week later, following crown delivery after 3 months and at 6 months. Expression of C-reactive protein (CRP), interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12A, IL-17A, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, osteopontin, osteoactivin, Receptor Activator of NF-κB (RANK), and TGF-β were analyzed using a multiplex ELISA kit.ResultsBoth groups showed a significant decrease in protein expression of CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1α, osteopontin, osteoactivin, and TGF-β, while MMP-13 levels increased during the observation period. A rise in OPG and RANK levels was detected among customized abutments. Expression of CRP was higher, whereas IL-1β, IL-1α, and MIP-1α were decreased in control compared to test group implants after 6 months. Marginal bone loss did not depend on abutment modality.ConclusionsBoth abutment types showed distinctive temporal expression of inflammatory biomarkers during 6 months following implant placement.Trial registrationISRCTN98477184, registration date 18/05/2022Clinical relevanceCustomized healing abutments exert similar effects on inflammation during early implant healing compared to standard healing abutments.

Biomaterials and Clinical Applications of Customized Healing Abutment-A Narrative Review.

Customized healing abutments have been introduced in clinical practice along with implant surgery to preserve or create natural-appearing hard and soft tissue around the implant. This provides the benefits of reducing the overall treatment time by eliminating the second stage and reducing the elapsed time of the fabrication of the final prostheses. This article aims to review the types and properties of materials used for the fabrication of customized healing abutments and their clinical applications. Articles published in English on customized healing abutments were searched in Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and the Scopus databases up to August 2022. The relevant articles were selected and included in this literature review. Customized healing abutments can be fabricated from materials available for dental implants, including PEEK, PMMA, zirconia, resin composite, and titanium. All the materials can be used following both immediate and delayed implant placement. Each material provides different mechanical and biological properties that influence the peri-implant tissues. In conclusion, the studies have demonstrated promising outcomes for all the materials. However, further investigation comparing the effects of each material on peri-implant soft and hard tissues is required.

Digital workflow for low-cost 3D printed custom healing abutment based on emergence profile CBCT segmentation

Several protocols have been used with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) prostheses after image-guided implant surgery based on a prosthetically driven surgical plan. For delayed approaches, a CAD-CAM custom healing abutment can be manufactured before the surgery and installed immediately after implant placement. However, information on the use of emergence profile segmentation on which to base the digital design and on the use of low-cost 3-dimensional printers to produce custom healing abutments are lacking. The purpose of this article was to present a fully digital workflow to digitally design and 3-dimensionally print custom healing abutments with a biocompatible light-polymerizing resin based on the natural emergence profile of the tooth to be replaced.

Effect of measurement techniques and operators on measured deviations in digital implant scans

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of different measurement techniques and operators on measured deviations in vitro implant scans. MethodsA 2-piece system that comprises a healing abutment (HA) and a scan body (SB) was mounted onto an implant at right first molar site of a polymethylmethacrylate mandibular dentate model. Model was digitized by using an industrial scanner (reference model scan, n = 1) and an intraoral scanner (test scan, n = 20). All standard tessellation language files were imported into a 3-dimensional analysis software and superimposed. Three operators with similar experience performed circle-based and point-based deviation analyses (n = 20). Deviations measured with different techniques were compared with paired samples t-test within each operator, while the reliability of the operators was assessed by using F-tests for both technqiues (α = 0.05). ResultsPoint-based technique resulted in lower deviations than circle-based technique for all operators (P = .001) with to higher reliability among operators (ICC = 0.438, P = .001). The correlation among the operators was nonsignificant when circle-based technique was used (ICC = 0.114, P = .189). ConclusionLower deviations were detected with the point-based technique. In addition, different operators’ measurements had higher correlation when point-based technique was used compared with circle-based technique. Clinical significancePoint-based technique may be preferred over circle-based technique for research studies on scan accuracy of implants, given its higher reliability. The accuracy of measured deviations may increase if the number of planes are increased, which can facilitate point generation at different surfaces of the scan body.

Immunohistochemical analysis of soft tissue response to polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium healing abutments on dental implants: a randomized pilot clinical study

BackgroundThe data on polyetheretherketone (PEEK) influence on the peri-implant soft tissues in clinical settings are deficient. The aims of this pilot study were to analyze and compare soft tissues’ response to PEEK and titanium (Ti) healing abutments (HA) by means of histological and immunohistochemical analyses.MethodsA total of 22 implants with PEEK or Ti HA were placed in 11 patients, applying the “split-mouth” study design. Three months later, soft tissue specimens were harvested from 20 implants for histology in order to qualitatively detect the inflammatory cells’ presence, to semi-qualitatively analyze the inflammation intensity and to assess the inflammatory responses type by immunohistochemical analysis using LCA, CD3, CD20 and CD68 antibodies.ResultsEpithelial infiltrate followed by an intensive inflammation in sub-epithelium was observed in 100% around PEEK HA. A number of LCA+ and CD 68+ cells was significantly higher in PEEK comparing to Ti group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.020, respectively), while CD 20+ and CD3+ counted cells were found in a significantly higher amount in Ti than in PEEK group (p = 0.006 and p = 0.010, respectively).ConclusionPEEK HA seems to evoke the more intense tissue inflammatory response demonstrated predominantly by histocytes’ and plasmacytes’ activation, while Ti HA triggers the inflammatory reaction of lower intensity, dominantly mediated by B-cells.Trial registrationThe study registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04436939).

CAD-CAM custom healing abutments: A dental technique

Custom healing abutments are important in establishing optimal esthetics for prosthesis-driven, implant-supported restorations. This report demonstrates a technique for constructing a custom healing abutment with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing to save chairside time and provide predictable results.

Effects of Ultraviolet Treatment and Alendronate Immersion on Osseointegration of Dental Implants and Mucosal Attachment of Dental Implant Abutments.

To evaluate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) treatment and alendronate immersion on the osseointegration of dental implants and mucosal attachment of dental implant abutments using a mongrel dog model. A total of 48 sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) titanium dental implants and 48 machined surface healing abutments in four male mongrel dogs were prepared. Implants and healing abutments were divided into four groups (n = 12 per group). The control (CON) group did not undergo additional surface treatments. The UV group was treated with UV for 15 minutes, and the alendronate-immersed (AN) group was soaked in 10-3 M alendronate for 24 hours. The UV treatment and alendronate soaking (UVAN) group was treated with alendronate, followed by UV irradiation. All implants were placed in the mandible of mongrel dogs, and the animals were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. Bone-to-implant contact (BIC), bone density, and connective tissue attachment were measured. In cortical bone, the UV group exhibited significantly higher BIC compared to the CON and AN groups (P < .05). In contrast, the AN and UVAN groups did not have significantly higher BIC. In the trabecular bone, there was no statistical difference between the groups. No significant increase in bone density and connective tissue attachment was shown in any group. UV treatment of SLA surface implants significantly increased osseointegration in cortical bone. The alendronate immersion did not increase osseointegration, and there was no synergic effect with UV treatment. Further, UV treatment and alendronate immersion of machined healing abutments did not significantly increase connective tissue attachment.

Simple dental implant treatment for rehabilitating posterior mandibular teeth

Dental implant became the solution to conventional dentures and bridges these days. Both single crown implants and implant-supported fixed partial dentures came as the options for restoring partially missing teeth. Fixed implant supported restorations could be screwed, cemented, or both through cemented prosthesis with palatal or lingual fastening screws. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each system are important. This case report will show step by step of implant placement using bone level implant fixture and screw and cement retained zirconia restoration. Transgingival healing was achieved by using healing abutment through one step surgery. Good emergence profile acquired from the use of healing abutment will give good aesthetic outcome. Digital workflow was included in this treatment to replace impression process with digital scanning of implant. The fabricaton of the restoration used in this case also using CAD/CAM technology. Zirconia ceramic has proven to have strength and good aesthetic results in dentistry. Cementation of the restoration became one of the important steps in this case report, therefore determining the appropriate cement for zirconia would affect long-term outcome of the restoration. Patient were required to maintain oral hygiene before and after the implant placement. The aim of this case report is to show simple way in restoring missing teeth in posterior region of mandible by using dental implant.

Prolonged Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans Growth and Biofilm Formation by Sustained Release of Chlorhexidine from Varnish Coated Dental Abutments: An in Vitro Study.

Background It has been confirmed that bacterial biofilm covering dental implants is the main microbial source causing preimplant infectious and inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial/antibiofilm effect of chlorhexidine, incorporated into a sustained-release varnish of chlorhexidine (SRV-CHX) coating, on dental abutments. Materials and Methods Three kinds of dental abutments were used: a high-performance semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic polyetheretherketone (PEAK) healing abutment, a titanium healing abutment, and a titanium permanent abutment. These abutments were coated with SRV-CHX or SRV-placebo and exposed daily to fresh cultures of Streptococcus mutans. The effect of SRV-CHX on S. mutans growth on agar plates was studied by measuring the zone of inhibition (ZOI) around each tested abutment every day for a period of 36 days. Biofilm formation on the SRV-CHX/placebo-coated abutments was detected using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and monitored by crystal violet (CV) staining. Results SRV-CHX-coated abutments 2 and 3 were able to inhibit S. mutans growth for 34 days, while abutment 1 inhibited growth for 32 days. Abutment-associated biofilm formation was notably inhibited by SRV-CHX coating after 13 days of incubation with S. mutans. Finally, the biofilm formed around SRV-CHX-coated abutments was completely inhibited up to 12 days of abutment exposure to S. mutans. Conclusion Coating of dental abutments with SRV-CHX demonstrated long-term effective inhibition of S. mutans growth and biofilm formation on the abutment surface.

Clinical Prospective Assessment of Genotoxic Effects of Dental Implants in Gingival Epithelial Cells.

Although titanium-based implants are considered bioinert, it has been found that they are subject to corrosion and wear. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of two implant systems in gingival epithelial cells. Gingival swabs were taken three times from 91 subjects. The first swab was taken before dental implant placement, the second swab 90 days after dental implant placement and the third swab 21 days following the healing abutment placement. DNA damage was analyzed using the micronucleus test. Tested dental implants with corresponding healing abutments were Ankylos and Dentium SuperLine. Of all scored forms of cytogenetic damage in gingival cells of individuals after implementation of tested dental implant systems, only an increase in the number of binucleated cells (P ≤ 0.001) was significant in contrast to control values for both tested implant systems, 90 days after dental implant placement and 21 days following the healing abutment placement. It may be concluded that there are no titanium-based implant dependent cytogenetic damage in gingival epithelial cells. A slight increase in cytogenetic damage has been observed but it is of no biological relevance and might be associated with healing abutment induced effect.

The Role of Different Healing Abutment Sizes in Tissue Volume Preservation of Molar Sockets After Immediate Tooth Extraction and Implant Placement: A Multicenter Clinical Study.

To evaluate the role of different healing abutment designs in compensating for the buccolingual volumetric tissue change that occurs following flapless single-tooth immediate extraction placement in the molar area. Patients in need of extraction and replacement of a first or second molar in the mandible or maxilla were consecutively recruited. Immediately after extraction and implant placement, an abutment was connected. Five different types of abutments were randomly selected to be used for each case. The study population was divided into five categories according to abutment design: 5-mm diameter healing abutment (group 1); 6-mm diameter healing abutment (group 2); 7.5-mm diameter healing abutment (group 3); provisional restoration (group 4); and customized healing abutment (group 5). The buccopalatal dimension (BPD) was measured on the study casts at 1, 3, and 5 mm apical to the free gingival margin, and horizontal volumetric changes were compared between baseline and 2, 4, and 6 months. A total of 267 implants were inserted in 246 patients. The breakdown of placed implants for each group was as follows: 67 implants in group 1; 64 in group 2; 71 in group 3; 33 in group 4; and 32 in group 5. Changes in the mean horizontal ridge dimension were as follows. After 6 months in group 1, BPD diminished at 1-, 3-, and 5-mm distance from the free gingival margin, respectively, by 4.21 ± 0.158, 3.38 ± 0. 178 and 2.35 ± 0.178 mm. In group 2, BPD diminished at 1-, 3-, and 5-mm distance from the free gingival margin, respectively, by 3.16 ± 0.198, 2.56 ± 0.198, and 1.62 ± 0.198 mm. In group 3, BPD diminished at 1-, 3-, and 5-mm distance from the free gingival margin, respectively, by 2.53 ± 0.138, 2.16 ± 0.144, and 1.56 ± 0.144 mm. In group 4, BPD diminished at 1-, 3-, and 5-mm distance from the free gingival margin, respectively, by 1.11 ± 0.179, 1.23 ± 0.179, and 1.12 ± 0.179 mm. In group 5, BPD diminished at 1-, 3-, and 5-mm distance from the free gingival margin, respectively, by 0.25 ± 0.225, 0.30 ± 0.225, and 0.19 ± 0.225 mm. Mixed-effect regression and post hoc means comparisons were used to model the impact of the restoration technique, height of measurement, and time on BPD using a significance reference level of .05. Statistical analysis showed that the type of abutment, the height of measurement, and the time significantly influenced the BPD and that there were complex interaction effects between these variables. The observed volumetric soft tissue changes in the 6-month short-term follow-up appeared to vary based on the use of different healing abutment sizes that were connected to implants placed immediately after tooth extraction in the molar area. In particular, the use of a customized healing abutment resulted in preservation of the original horizontal dimension of the molar soft tissue.

Guided Tissue Healing by Preformed Anatomical Healing Caps in the Edentulous Ridge: A 2-Year Retrospective Case-Control Study.

The present study evaluated the 2-year changes in soft tissue width after implant placement in healed sites, using two different methodologies to obtain tissue healing: preformed and anatomical abutment caps for customized healing (test) vs conventional healing abutments (control). The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference between the test group and the control group. Patients who suffered from a single-tooth edentulous area in the premolar/molar region were included. Both the standard abutments and the preformed and anatomical abutment caps were immediately screwed on the implants. The final crown restoration was fabricated 3 months later. Primary outcomes (changes in the alveolar soft tissue ridge) and secondary outcomes (testing adverse events and measuring implant/prosthesis survival) were evaluated. Thirty-nine patients (24 women) with a mean age of 57.7 ± 7.1 years (range: 42.6 to 72.8 years) were included. Alveolar widths in both groups showed significant increases from baseline to the 3-month follow-up, with augmentations of 3.6 ± 0.7 mm for the test group and 1.1 ± 0.9 mm for the control group. The gain in soft tissue appeared to be statistically different between the two groups (P < .0001). Contrarily, any subsequent change in width from 3 months to 2 years was negligible and insignificant (< 0.33 mm for both groups). The technique described in the present study encourages the potential for alternative healing based on the guided soft tissue concept, as it either eliminated the need for second-stage surgery or it reduced step-by-step peri-implant soft tissue conditioning, obtaining a tissue contour immediately very similar to that of a final prosthesis.

Clinical Advantages of Immediate Posterior Implants With Custom Healing Abutments: Up to 8-Year Follow-Up of 115 Cases

Proper management of the soft tissues around dental implants is crucial to their long-term function and esthetics. The purpose of this article is to report the survival rate of immediate posterior implants when using an immediate chair-side technique for custom healing abutments. The investigator implemented a retrospective case series analysis of a sample of 115 consecutive patients with 1 posterior dental implant placed between February 1, 2012 and December 9, 2014, in the author's private practice who underwent the previously published technique for immediate custom chair-side healing abutment fabrication. In this descriptive analysis, the primary outcome variable was implant survival. Other variables included patient gender and age. Of the 115 patients in this cohort, 66 were female and 49 were male, with a mean age of 58 years, with 73% of the sites being first molars and 27% secondmolars. This study sample had a 98.26% overall implant survival rate with 3 implant failures. Median follow-up time was 1year with identical 1-year and 5-year survival rates. Follow-up at up to 8years demonstrated a 98.26% overall survival rate with 100% survival in the maxilla and 96.08% in the mandible. This case series demonstrates that the Anatomic Harmony Abutment technique, by applying principles of flapless posterior immediate implant surgery with immediate custom healing abutment placement, can lead to highly successful implant outcomes.