Contemporary Advances in Dental Implant Abutments
Ozge Ural, Nihal Tokar, Emre Tokar.
Since the introduction of dental implants, implant designs have continuously evolved to meet both mechanical and biological requirements. Macro- and micro-design parameters, including implant length, diameter, body shape, and surface characteristics, directly influence intraoral success and prognosis. Thanks to advances in surface technologies, short implants can now be reliably used, improving osseointegration outcomes.
Alongside these developments, abutment design plays a decisive role in the success of implant-supported prostheses. Abutments are classified according to criteria such as the material used (titanium, zirconia, hybrid), manufacturing technique (prefabricated or customized), retention method (screw- or cement-retained), and implant–abutment connection type. Titanium remains the gold standard due to its mechanical strength and biocompatibility, whereas zirconia is increasingly favored in esthetic zones. However, the difference in hardness between zirconia and titanium may cause fractures or wear over time, which has led to the emergence of hybrid abutments that combine esthetic and mechanical advantages.
