Article

Feature Article
Abstract

Every 5 years, the International Team of Implantology (ITI) organizes a Consensus Conference to review the current state of evidence in areas of interest in implant dentistry. The 7th ITI Consensus Conference was held in Lisbon in May 2023. The topic of Group 2 was “Technology”, focusing on following three research questions: (1) additive versus subtractive manufacturing of implant restorations; (2) survival, complications, and esthetics comparing prefabricated versus customized abutments; and (3) survival of posterior implant-supported multi-unit fixed dental prostheses. Three systematic reviews all followed the PRISMA guidelines and were submitted to Clinical Oral Implants Research already well ahead of the Consensus Conference for peer review. The Consensus Statements, Patient Perspectives and Recommendations for Future Research were proposed and discussed on site in Lisbon between the group participants and then presented to the plenary, where, after discussion and modification, the final statements and recommendations were accepted for publication.

This article summarizes the main findings of Group 2:

  1. Both additive and subtractive manufacturing are viable techniques for interim tooth-colored implant single prosthesis, but the clinical performance of additively produced restorations still remains to be investigated
  2. According to current evidence, implant single crowns on prefabricated versus customized abutments show comparable clinical performance. However, long-term clinical data from RCTs are needed
  3. In the posterior area, monolithic zirconia is recommended as the material of choice for multi-unit implant restorations to reduce technical complications

For further details, please refer to the 7th ITI Consensus Conference Group 2 Consensus Report and review articles that can be downloaded from the ITI website.

Introduction

Technological advancements in dentistry driven by the rapid growth of the IT sector present new opportunities and challenges. The medtech industry introduces digital applications and tools to the market swiftly, sometimes outpacing scientific scrutiny. 3D printing in additive manufacturing and the use of titanium base abutments in conjunction with monolithic restorations are great examples from the field of digital dental implantology. While widely embraced, concerns linger among clinicians about the performance and long-term results when applying new technology to clinical use. The 7th ITI Consensus Conference's Working Group 2 on "Technology" systematically explored scientific literature in three key areas (Derksen et al. 2023): (1) additive vs. subtractive manufacturing for implant restorations; (2) comparing prefabricated and customized abutments in terms of survival rates, complications, and esthetics; and (3) assessing the clinical performance of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses for treating multiple missing teeth in the posterior area.