Description

The American Journal of Esthetic Dentistry featured Yugo’s article titled ‘Restorations of Two Implants using Custom Abutments and Transverse Screw-retained Zirconia Crowns’ co-authored with Dr Andrew Chio (Melbourne, Australia) in 2012 (originally published in English).

There is a myth that the popularity of cross-pin retained implant restorations exists in a specific geographical location – Melbourne, Australia.

Cross-pinning uses a transverse screw to attach the restorations to an implant abutment when access for the abutment screw would compromise the aesthetics and structural integrity of the prosthesis.

This technique traditionally requires the final restoration to be completed as an all-metal or metal-ceramic prosthesis. However, this article explores the possibility to fabricate the restorations using metal-free Zirconia based systems. This case report presents an alternative technique involving metal-free Zirconia prostheses (Lava, 3M ESPE) attached to custom abutments (Atlantis, Astra Tech) using transverse screws (cross-pinning technique).

Looking back on the article, I am proud of being a part of the innovative research. However, I acknowledge that the presented technique is not commercially adaptable due to the difficulty and complexity of the fabrication process in general.