Are the ceramic abutments the sole way to trans-mucosal implant esthetics?
The esthetics in the peri-implant/restorative interface depend on the cervical morphology of the restoration, the healthy and harmonious mucosal contour and the cervical optical behavior of the abutment that provides the overlying soft tissue with internal lighting. Although, upon excellent clinical management, the custom-madeall-ceramic trans-mucosal Zirconia abutments provide the restorative site with these characteristics resulting to acceptable esthetic outcomes, in certain aspects their application contains some limitations:
1. The long-lasting mechanical properties of Zirconia custom-made abutments are in question due to the phenomenon of low temperature degradation.
2. The opacity that characterizes their optical behavior as well as the absence of fluorescence restricts the adequate trans-illumination of the soft tissues.
3. Unfavorable implant inclinations restrict their use not providing the restorations with adequate retention.
The presentation after covering the historical development of esthetic abutments since the 90’s of last century, will present the alterative solution found in the application of the ceramo-metal trans-mucosal abutments.
- To draw the attention to the esthetic parameters of the transmucosal area.
- To evaluate the limitations in applying prefabricated or custom-made CAD CAM Zirconia abutments
- To explore the clinical application of the ceramo-metal abutments, and discuss the existing scientific evidence in evaluating their performance.
Dr. Tripodakis received his Dental Degree (1973) and his doctorate (1994) from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, and a Certificate of Prosthodontics (1979) and a Master of Science (1981) from Tufts University, Boston, USA. He is currently an associate professor at the University of Athens, and a visiting associate professor at Tufts University. Dr. Tripodakis has received two research awards from the Academy of Osseointegration (1995, 1998). He is an international lecturer, a published author, and an associate editor of the Journal of Japan Prosthodontic Research & Practice, and the Journal of Osseointegration. Having served as president for several prestigious dental organizations including the American Dental Society of Europe, and the International College of Prosthodontists, he is currently president-elect, European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.
