title: Evolution and use of aluminum oxide single-tooth implant abutments: a short review and presentation of two cases.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. merim@umich.edu
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Heydecke
authors.forename: Marianella
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sierraalta
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Razzoog
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D016876:Metal Ceramic Alloys; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D000537:Aluminum Oxide