Recent Advances in Implant Prosthodontics: Materials, Designs, and Clinical Protocols

Abstract

The development of implant prosthodontics has seen significant modernization in the last two decades due to the improvement of biomaterials, computer technologies, the shape of implant abutments, and evidence-based clinical guidelines. These have contributed greatly to the survival of the implants, the precision of the prosthetics, the esthetic appearance, and patient care, including comfort and satisfaction. Modern implant material currently places greater emphasis on biocompatibility, mechanical stability and esthetic integration whereas the current design of prosthetics emphasize on precision fit, load-distribution and long-term peri-implant tissue stability. Similar advances in computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), intraoral scanning, and guided implant surgery have reduced the traditional approaches of prosthodontics to highly predictable and efficient treatment procedures. Moreover, new clinical guidelines on immediate loading, soft tissue, and long-term maintenance plans have led to better long-term outcomes.