JOURNAL OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY THE

Vol. 100 No. 6      DECEMBER - 2008

ISSN: 0022-3913      UBIC: 171

RESUMEN

Over the last decade, there has been a dramatic rise in patients' esthetic expectations with regard to both conventional and implant prosthodontics. The loss of hard and/or soft tissue dimensions, often unpredictably, around implants, can result in potential embarrassment due to the display of metal components. Patients are understandably reluctant to accept visibility of metal abutments and/or the implant substructures, especially in the esthetic zone, even if biologically sound. The use of 1-piece zirconia implant frameworks or, alternatively, custom zirconia abutments with a zirconia framework, has enabled both a good biological response as well as the ability to improve the esthetic outcome. This clinical report demonstrates the use of a 1-piece zirconia implant-supported fixed partial denture in the anterior maxilla, with minimal soft tissue dimension above the implant shoulder level, which dictated the need for prosthetic soft tissue augmentation. (J Prosthet Dent 2008; 1 00:415-421)

SUMMARY

The use of a new 1-piece zirconia fixed partial denture, to implant level, along with new generation veneering porcelains, provides the clinician with greater flexibility, potentially decreased costs, and the ability to achieve improved esthetic and biological treatment outcomes. When there is sufficient bone and soft tissue dimension, excellent functional and esthetic results may be recreated, but occasionally, for various reasons, there are deficiencies of either or both tissue types, resulting in compromise of the definitive restorative solution. Use of high strength all-ceramic zirconia fixed partial dentures, to implant level, offers the possibility to more easily address these issues, as compared to conventional methods. This technology provides opportunities for the restoration of more extensive implant situations using all-ceramic technologies. However, at this stage, long-term data for its application are required prior to the adoption of its use in mainstream prosthodontics.

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