Single tooth replacement using a one-piece screw-retained restoration

This article reviews and illustrates several options available with single tooth implant prostheses. For use with internal hex implants, the authors prefer one-piece screw-retained restorations due to their easy retrievability, absence of cement, and remarkable aesthetics. The treatment procedure is outlined from presurgical prosthetic planning and surgery to the placement of the final prosthesis. The advantages and disadvantages of the technique are reviewed. The use of wide or narrow screw access channels is discussed. Selection of torque instruments and the proper levels of torque when tightening the screws are evaluated. Three clinical cases are presented to illustrate the principles reviewed in the text. The learning objective of this article is to provide up-to-date information on an implant system for screw-retained single tooth restorations.