ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes achieved with
Computer-Assisted Design/Computer-Assisted Manufacturing implant abutments
in the anterior maxilla.Material and MethodsNineteen patients with a mean age of 41 (range form 26 to 63) years, treated
with 21 single tooth implants and 21 Computer-Assisted
Design/Computer-Assisted Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) abutments in the anterior
maxillary region were included in this study. The patients followed 4
criteria of inclusion: (1) had a single-tooth implant in the anterior
maxilla, (2) had a CAD/CAM abutment, (3) had a contralateral natural tooth,
(4) the implant was restored and in function for at least 6 months up to 2
years. Cases without contact point were excluded. Presence/absence of the
interproximal papilla, inter tooth-implant distance (ITD) and distance from
the base of the contact point to dental crest bone of adjacent tooth (CPB)
were accessed.ResultsForty interproximal spaces were evaluated, with an average mesial CPB of 5.65
(SD 1.65) mm and distal CPB of 4.65 (SD 1.98) mm. An average mesial ITD of
2.49 (SD 0.69) mm and an average distal ITD of 1.89 (SD 0.63) mm were
achieved. Papilla was present in all the interproximal spaces accessed.ConclusionsThe restoration of dental implants using CAD/CAM abutments is a predictable
treatment with improved aesthetic results. These type of abutments seem to
help maintaining a regular papillary filling although the variations of the
implant positioning or the restoration teeth relation.