A prospective study on single tooth reconstructions using parallel walled implants with internal connection (NobelParallel CC) and abutments with angulated screw channels (ASC)

Abstract

Background: A new implant design was launched in 2015 with internal connection allowing for placement of abutments with angulated screw channels. Such devices may eliminate the use of nonauthentic components, which may present with poor fit and jeopardize the construction. It may also eliminate the use of cemented single-crowns with the risk for excessive cement to cause marginal bone destruction.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of a straight-walled implant with conical connection (NobelParallel CC), when used in the single-tooth situation of the anterior maxilla. Further, to elucidate the need for an abutment with angulated screw channel (ASC).

Materials and methods: Patients referred for both implant surgery and prosthetics to rehabilitate missing single maxillary incisors/canines. Implants were placed according to a two-staged surgical procedure. Patients were followed up to delivery of prosthetic crowns with the purpose to extend the study up to 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow up. Registrations of implant survival, marginal bone level measurements, hard/soft tissue complications, and the incidence of ASC to avoid the use of nonauthentic components or crown cementation, were performed at the end of the study.

Results: A total of 47 patients were included in the current investigation. One patient deceased during the study period. In all 51 implants were inserted, of which 14 implant sites were bone augmented either prior to implant placement or in connection with the insertion procedure. Further, four remaining teeth were extracted in the region of interest during implant placement. One implant presented with infection and mobility at abutment connection and was consequently removed. Implant survival rate was 98.0%. Mean marginal bone level at crown placement was 0.41 mm (SD = 0.45 mm) and the corresponding measurements at 1 year for 22 implants revealed a marginal bone resorption of 0.41 mm (SD = 0.36 mm). Abutments with angulated screw channels were used in 42/49 sites.

Conclusion: The NobelParallel CC implant seemed to work well together with the ASC abutment. No major complications were noted.

Keywords: angulated screw channel abutment; conical connection; single-tooth implants.