Patient-specific abutments for anterior maxillary implants.

Many factors influence the long-term functional and esthetic success of implant-supported restorations. This article reviews recent findings related to several of these factors, including the implant-abutment junction, bacterial adhesion to implant surfaces, and the esthetic and functional consequences of implant and abutment material choices, particularly titanium-nitride-coated abutments. Restoration of a failed maxillary central incisor using a platformswitched implant and titanium-nitride-coated abutment is presented.

Utilization of digital technologies for fabrication of definitive implant-supported restorations.

The introduction 7 years ago of specially coded healing abutments dramatically simplified the task of obtaining implant impressions. Such coded abutments eliminated the need for impression copings, instead enabling supragingival impressions to be made and sent to the laboratory for fabrication of patient-specific abutments and restorations. Combining this technology with digital oral scanning has the potential to further simplify the time between impression-making and delivery of a definitive restoration, and it offers additional benefits to both patients and clinicians.