Simplifying Single-Stage Solid Abutments: Part 1 Impressions

Simplifying Single-Stage Solid Abutments: Part 1 Impressions
June 2003
Schneider, Allen L. DDS*; Kurtzman, Gregori M. DDS**
Implant Dentistry: Volume 12(2) June 2003 pp 160-163
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
*Private practice, Springfield, Virginia; Adjunct Instructor, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Restorative Department.
**Private practice, Silver Spring, Maryland; Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Department of Restorative Dentistry.
Reprint requests and correspondence to:
Gregori Kurtzman, DDS
3801 International Drive, Suite 102
Silver Spring, MD 20906
Phone: (301) 598-3500
Fax: (301) 598-9046
E-mail: drimplants@aol.com
Abstract
Restoration of single-stage implants with solid abutments traditionally requires the use of an impression index cap, an analog and a lab fee commensurate with a more complex restoration. A technique is discussed that utilizes standard crown and bridge techniques that simplifies the lab procedure and reduces the prosthetic costs involved with fabrication of implant borne crowns.
Single-stage implants are being used more frequently. Currently, Straumann ITI (Waltham, MA), Lifecore Biomedical (Chaska, MN), Sulzer Paragon (Carlsbad, CA), and 3i (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) offer an implant designed to be used as a single stage with a flared crestal design that accepts a solid abutment. Traditional-type implants, whether they have an internal or external platform, typically have the restoration contacting the abutment head only. Restorations fabricated for single-stage type implants have a margin that contacts the implant platform and a central core that is the solid abutment. 1 The implant companies manufacturing single-stage implants have developed plastic impression caps that engage the abutment and seat on the implant platform.
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