Stefan Holst, Patrick Rutten: New restorative solutions for efficiency and esthetics. The concept of an angulated screw channel system.

There are several advantages and disadvantages for screw- or cement-retained restorations, at times controversially discussed. Subgingivally retained cement excess can be considered one of the primary causes for peri-implant infection and subsequent bone loss. Screw-retained concepts assist in avoiding this iatrogenic factor which can compromise implant treatment success, however depending on implant position the screw access channel can emerge e.g. on incisial or buccal surfaces. In light of these functional, biological and esthetic challenges, Dr Holst and Patrick Rutten review screw- and cement retained restoration concepts and present a new angulated screw channel system (ASC), which allows design of the screw channel in an angle of up to 25 degrees off the implant axis and therefore to position the screw access hole out of esthetically critical areas or in a functionnally easier way for manipulation of the abutment screw. Supported by a posterior and anterior restoration example, the lecturer team presents the advantages of this approach and gives handling insights from both clinical and laboratory perspectives.