Pre-Fab Abutment vs. Regular Abutment?

A crown (tooth) must be connected to the implant (root) using an intermediary part called the abutment. The type of abutment depends on many factors that should be explained to you by the restorative doctor. The doctor should be discussing terms such as clinical volume, bone volume, esthetic contouring. Some surgeons will place the abutment and include it in the cost of the surgery. The restorative doctor must decide if this abutment provided is adequate for your conditions such as esthetics, biting forces, overall tooth wear and your needs to have adequate crown support for longevity of the restoration. If this abutment is not adequate for conditions, then a custom abutment will need to be fabricated to provide longevity of crown. The surgeon and restorative doctors should consult on this issue before the surgery is done. It is also possible that a one piece crown and abutment (screw retained) would be better for your conditions. Your dentists should be able to address all these issues. Sincerely Dr. Smith

When restoring an implant a Dr. Has two choices for the implant abutment. Either a stock abutment, i.e. pre-fab, (which can be prepared and shaped) or a custom abutment (which can be cast or milled). While many times a stock prepared abutment will work fine, a custom abutment, offers many advantages related to soft tissue shaping and esthetics. There is often more of an expense with a custom abutment. This should be discussed with your dentist.Michael Tischler, DDS