OBJECTIVETo evaluate clinical performances of ceramic and titanium abutments for implant-supported all-ceramic single crown.

METHODSNineteen patients with loss of maxillary anterior teeth were restored with implant-supported In-Ceramic all-ceramic single crowns. They were divided into two groups based on the type of abutment adopted, 8 in CerAdapt abutment group (group A) and 11 in TiAdapt abutment group (group B). Esthetic results were evaluated with modified USPHS standard. Mucosal bleeding and marginal bone loss of each crown were recorded at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after restoration respectively. All data were analyzed in SPSS 10.0 using Chi-square test and t-test.

RESULTSNone of implants and all-ceramic crowns failed. One CerAdapt abutment fractured at 15 months after restoration. Eight crowns scored A in group A and 10 in group B. Soft tissues around implant appeared healthy. Mean value of marginal bone loss in 2 years was 0.70 mm for group A and 0.77 mm for group B. There was no significant differences in the esthetic results, mucosal bleeding, and marginal bone loss between group A and group B (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSSatisfactory esthetic results could be achieved with both CerAdapt ceramic abutment and TiAdapt titanium abutment for implant-supported all-ceramic single crown. No negative influence produced by abutments on peri-implant tissue was observed during short-term restoration.