Guidelines for implant abutment selection for partially edentulous patients.

Dental implant treatments have changed dramatically since the introduction of osseointegration in the 1970s. Placement and restoration of dental implants now are considered to be a basic, important component of dental practices around the world. During the past several decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of dental implant manufacturers and implant restorative components available for clinicians and dental laboratory technicians treating partially edentulous patients. While the increase in components has improved the esthetic and functional results obtainable with dental implants, clinicians also have reported difficulties and confusion in treatment planning dental implant restorations for partially edentulous patients. This article introduces a protocol for implant abutment selection in partially edentulous patients undergoing dental implant treatment by describing a clinical/laboratory protocol for abutment selection in implant dentistry for implant surgeons, restorative dentists, and dental laboratory technicians.