Newsletter

In the past, labial implant projection in the anterior maxilla might have required prosthetic screw access through facial or incisal restoration surfaces. Introduction of the angled screw channel (ASC) concept permitted prosthetic screw tightening using a hexalobular, sphere-shaped driver that engages the screw at various angles. This allows the screwdriver and the restoration’s screw channel to follow an orientation different than the implant’s long axis to emerge more esthetically through the restoration’s palatal surface. While the ASC design may have solved the esthetic concern, other problems may arise. This issue of Prosthodontics Newsletter looks at recent research on the ASC.

The movement of teeth adjacent to dental implant restorations is a perplexing and complicated phenomenon that may relate to normal alveolar growth, functional occlusal loading or parafunctional occlusal activities, or it may have some multifactorial etiology. Although understanding the factors that may lead to adjacent tooth movement is important, the mere fact that it occurs is an essential consideration in treatment planning, restoration and maintenance protocols.

To provide optimal implant-based clinical care for partially edentulous patients missing 2 to 3 teeth, the practitioners must consider implant location and design of the restoration prior to implant surgery.

The relatively recent development of titanium base abutments for implant-supported fixed prosthodontics, particularly single implant restorations, was intended to solve key laboratory and clinical problems.

While over the past several decades implant therapy has been remarkably successful in addressing challenging patient needs, the wise practitioner remains informed about potential surgical, treatment and posttreatment complications.