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SealPrint: The anatomically replicated seal-and-support socket abutment technique A Proof-of-Concept with 12 months
Pierre Lahoud1, Ana Castro2, Elias Walter3
1OMFS-IMPATH Research Group, Department of Imaging & Pathology and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Belgium; Division of Periodontology and Oral Microbiology, Department of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Goethestraße 70, 80 336 Munich, Germany.
Objectives:
This study aimed at investigating a novel technique for designing and manufacturing a sealing socket abutment (SSA) using artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tooth segmentation and 3D printing technologies.
Methods:
A validated AI-powered module was used to segment the tooth to be replaced on the presurgical Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan. Following virtual surgical planning, the CBCT and intraoral scan (IOS) were imported into Mimics software. The AI-segmented tooth was aligned with the IOS, sliced horizontally at the temporary abutment's neck, and further trimmed 2 mm above the gingival margin to capture the emergence profile. A conical cut, 2 mm wider than the temporary abutment with a 5° taper, was applied for a passive fit. This process produced a custom sealing socket abutment, which was then 3D-printed. After atraumatic tooth extraction and immediate implant placement, the temporary abutment was positioned, followed by the SealPrint atop. A flowable composite was used to fill the gap between the temporary abutment and the SealPrint; the whole structure sealing the extraction socket, providing by design support for the interdental papilla and protecting the implant and (bio)materials used.
Results:
True to planning, the SealPrint passively fits on the temporary abutment. It provides an optimal seal over the entire surface of the extraction socket, preserving the emergence profile of the extracted tooth, protecting the dental implant and stabilizing the graft material and blood clot.
Conclusions:
The SealPrint technique provides a reliable and fast solution for protection and preservation of the soft-, hard-tissues and emergence profile following immediate implant placement.
