Full‐zirconia single‐tooth molar implant‐supported restorations with angulated screw channel abutments: A 1‐year prospective case series study

BACKGROUND: Implant‐supported restorations in the posterior region are subjected to various complications that could be prevented by changing either the design or the material. PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective case series study was to evaluate full‐zirconia implant‐supported restorations with angulated screw channel abutments in the molar region of the maxilla and mandible and their effect on hard and soft peri‐implant tissues, during a 1‐year follow‐up period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients with a single missing molar, sufficient bone height, and implant site free of infection were included. Each patient was to receive a parallel‐walled implant with conical connection according to a two‐staged surgical protocol. After 3 months, a full‐contour screw‐retained zirconia restoration with angulated screw channel abutment was provided. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed 1 and 12 months after placement of the restoration. Patients' satisfaction was scored prior to treatment and after 12 months with the restoration in function. Primary outcome measure was success of the restoration. RESULTS: All patients could be evaluated after 12 months. Success of the restorations was 100%. From loading to the 12‐month follow‐up, the mean marginal bone loss was 0.16 mm (SD: 0.26). Mean scores for plaque, calculus, peri‐implant mucosa, bleeding, and pocket probing depth were low, depicting healthy peri‐implant conditions. Patients' satisfaction was high and had improved after treatment. CONCLUSION: Full‐contour zirconia implant‐supported restorations with angulated screw channel abutments in the molar region have an excellent clinical performance after 1 year of function.