Abutment-implant interface

The abutment-implant interface is the area of the abutment connection where the prosthetic screw comes into contact with the abutment. There are several different types of abutment-implant interfaces, all of which are affected by the particular type of hardware used. Types of abutment-implant interfaces include straight matching, straight non-matching, straight one-piece, concave matching, concave non-matching, and concave one-piece. For proper fit and overall success of a dental implant, the abutment-implant interface must be flush with no space or micromotion in between the prosthetic screw and the abutment. If micro motion is detected, more torque may be applied, however, periodontists must be careful to avoid applying too much force. If the abutment-implant interface is not flush, the integrity of the implant may be compromised and the patient may have a higher risk of overall implant failure. What type of hardware is used usually depends on the preferences of the periodontist.