Clinical application of a shape memory implant abutment system.
An innovative abutment system has recently been developed to address the well-known limitations of screw- and cement-retained implant restorations. This abutment system offers retrievability by replacing the cement layer with a precision-engineered nickel-titanium sleeve that switches between shapes that lock and unlock the prosthesis. The avoidance of cement precludes cement-related periimplant complications, while the elimination of occlusal screw access holes may enable predictable control over occlusion and improve the structural integrity of the prosthesis. By eliminating the need for cement clean up, occlusal access closure, and occlusal adjustments after insertion, the dentist is afforded more time to attend to the patient's general needs. This paper describes the design rationale for and clinical treatment using this novel abutment system.
Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Advanced Prosthodontics and Advanced Prosthodontics Residency Program, University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, Calif. Electronic address: prosthodontist@ucla.edu.
Kumar C
KC
Shah
CEO, Rodo Medical Inc, San Jose, Calif.
Young R
YR
Seo
Professor, Division of Advanced Prosthodontics and Bioengineering, Materials Science, and Orthopedic Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif.
Benjamin M
BM
Wu
D000044:Dental Abutments; D059605:Dental Implant-Abutment Design / Q000379:methods*; D003761:Dental Impression Technique; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D014025:Titanium
D014025:Titanium