The Influence of Implant Neck Features and Abutment Diameter on Hard and Soft Tissues Around Single Implants Placed in Healed Ridges: Clinical Criteria for Selection

The clinician's selection of an implant system is influenced by many variables. Ideally, the decision should be based on scientific evidence, but often these decisions are based on economic considerations or influenced by the experience of a trusted peer. The purpose of this paper is to describe the influence of implant neck features (shape and surface) and abutment connection (diameter that matches or is smaller than the implant's platform) on hard and soft tissues around single-tooth implants placed into healed ridges with adequate hard and soft tissue thickness. In an effort to reduce the number of variables, only two-piece implants fully placed at bone level or beneath were taken into consideration. The goal is to provide additional guidance for clinicians on the decision-making and implant-selection processes.