Evolution and Use of Aluminum Oxide Single-Tooth Implant Abutments: A Short Review and Presentation of Two Cases

Purpose: This article reviews the development of esthetic implant abutments and illustrates the use of aluminum oxide implant abutments in two cases. Materials and Methods: Two patients were restored with single-tooth implants for the replacement of anterior teeth. One patient received a prefabricated aluminum oxide abutment, which was customized by the dental technician. A second patient received a custom aluminum oxide abutment, which was designed and fabricated using CAD/CAM technology. Both cases were restored with all-ceramic crowns. Results: Satisfactory functional and esthetic results were achieved in both cases. The CAD/CAM abutment required no further customization in the dental laboratory. Conclusion: The use of aluminum oxide ceramic abutments improves dental and mucogingival esthetics in single-implant restorations. The use of CAD/CAM technology simplifies the design and customization process. Clinical studies are required to confirm the long-term performance of this type of restoration.