Evolution and use of aluminum oxide single-tooth implant abutments: a short review and presentation of two cases.
OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the development of esthetic implant abutments and illustrates the use of aluminum oxide implant abutments in two cases.


METHODS
Two patients were restored with single-tooth implants for the replacement of anterior teeth. One patient received a prefabricated aluminum oxide abutment, which was customized by the dental technician. A second patient received a custom aluminum oxide abutment, which was designed and fabricated using CAD/CAM technology. Both cases were restored with all-ceramic crowns.


RESULTS
Satisfactory functional and esthetic results were achieved in both cases. The CAD/CAM abutment required no further customization in the dental laboratory.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of aluminum oxide ceramic abutments improves dental and mucogingival esthetics in single-implant restorations. The use of CAD/CAM technology simplifies the design and customization process. Clinical studies are required to confirm the long-term performance of this type of restoration.
Heydecke
Guido
G
University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. merim@umich.edu
Sierraalta
Marianella
M
Razzoog
Michael E
ME
D000328:Adult; D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D000044:Dental Abutments; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D008437:Maxilla; D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys; D008875:Middle Aged
D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D000537:Aluminum Oxide