There is nothing unique involved in the art and science of implant prosthodontics. The novice becomes confused at the entry level when he or she is introduced to the plethora of abutments and attachments made by each company multiplied by the variations and nomenclature that each contributes to the cumulative marketplace.

Added to this prosthetic Tower of Babel are methods of abutment attachment to external and internal hexagonal implant designs using threaded techniques, as well as several variants.

Essentially each company produces restorative systems that are similar to one another. Abutments, after all, must be attached to implants. They will have angulations and shapes required to fill anatomic and esthetic requirements. Patients will request fixed prostheses; dentists will select the option of removable overdentures. Decisions must be made on a basis of occlusal forces, numbers and dimensions of implants, patient compliance, economics, esthetics, and functional requirements.

The following seven chapters will guide restorative dentists and implantologists through each of the available options, problems and their solutions, and the principles of implant occlusion. Since implantology is prosthodontically navigated, the reader should refer to Chapter 5, since the location, design, and number of implants will be selected on a basis of the final prosthetics preferred by consensus after consultation between patient and practitioner.

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