University of Groningen Stock Versus CAD/CAM Customized Zirconia Implant Abutments - Clinical and Patient- Based Outcomes in a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Schepke,

Background: Single-tooth replacement often requires a prefabricated dental implant and a customized crown. The benefits of individualization of the abutment remain unclear. Purpose: This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to study potential benefits of individualization of zirconia implant abutments with respect to preservation of marginal bone level and several clinical and patient-based outcome measures. Material and Methods: Fifty participants with a missing premolar were included and randomly assigned to standard (ZirDesign, DentsplySirona Implants, M€ olndal, Sweden) or computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) customized (Atlantis, DentsplySirona Implants, M€ olndal, Sweden) zirconia abutment therapy. Periimplant bone level (primary outcome), Plaque-index, calculus formation, bleeding on probing, gingiva index, probing pocket depth, recession, appearance of soft tissues and patients’ contentment were assessed shortly after placement and one year later. Results: No implants were lost and no complications related to the abutments were observed. Statistically significant differences between stock and CAD/CAM customized zirconia abutments could not be demonstrated for any of the operationalized variables. Conclusion: The use of a CAD/CAM customized zirconia abutment in single tooth replacement of a premolar is not associated with an improvement in clinical performance or patients’ contentment when compared to the use of a stock zirconia abutment.