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Clinical application of a shape memory implant abutment system
Kumar C Shah1, Young R Seo2, Benjamin M Wu3
1Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Advanced Prosthodontics and Advanced Prosthodontics Residency Program, University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, Calif.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|September 14, 2016
Summary
A novel dental abutment system uses a shape-changing nickel-titanium sleeve to eliminate cement, preventing complications and improving prosthesis integrity. This innovation simplifies procedures, allowing dentists more patient time.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Dental Implantology
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Traditional screw- and cement-retained dental implant restorations have inherent limitations.
- Cement-related complications and challenges with occlusal access holes impact long-term success.
Observation:
- A new abutment system replaces cement with a shape-memory nickel-titanium sleeve.
- This sleeve allows for mechanical locking and unlocking of the prosthesis, ensuring retrievability.
Findings:
- Eliminating cement avoids cement-related peri-implant issues.
- Removing occlusal screw access holes enhances prosthetic structural integrity and occlusion control.
- The system simplifies clinical procedures by removing steps like cement cleanup and occlusal adjustments.
Implications:
- This novel system offers a promising alternative for more predictable and efficient dental implant restorations.
- It has the potential to reduce chair time and improve patient outcomes.
- Further clinical studies are warranted to validate long-term efficacy and patient satisfaction.
