A modified protocol for restorative implant abutment selection by using computer-aided design and computer-aided...

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Digital Dentistry
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Implant abutment selection is complex due to multiple factors.
• Computer-aided design (CAD) enables virtual abutment selection and placement.
• Validation of digital protocols for abutment selection is necessary.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a novel digital protocol for abutment selection using CAD software.
• To assess the accuracy of virtually selected and placed abutments for restoration design.
• To compare restorations designed via virtual abutments with those using actual abutments.

Main Methods:

• A cast with two implants was scanned ten times.
• Two abutments were placed and scanned ten times.
• Twenty superstructures were designed and manufactured for a 3-unit fixed partial denture, divided into real and virtual abutment groups, and compared using digital and optical measurements.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in x-axis or y-axis measurements between real and virtual abutment groups.
• Significant differences found in z-axis measurements (P=.046).
• Mean gap was 50 μm for the virtual abutment group and 35 μm for the real abutment group.

Conclusions:

• Superstructures fabricated using virtual abutment selection favorably compared to those using actual abutments.
• The proposed digital protocol for virtual abutment selection and placement is validated.
• Digital workflows offer a reliable alternative for implant abutment selection and restoration design.