Contents

• Why Zirconia Is the “Gold Standard” of Our Time
• Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramics (e.max and Similar)
• Polymeric and Nanohybrid Composites (CAD/CAM PMMA & Composites)
• Comparison Table (Clinical Benchmarking)
• Synergy of Material and Superstructure
• Conclusion

For today’s prosthodontist, the question of “what to make it from?” has long ceased to be rhetorical. While just 15–20 years ago the choice was limited to metal-ceramics and gold alloys, today CAD/CAM technologies have opened up access to dozens of modifications of zirconium dioxide, lithium silicates, and hybrid nanocomposites. However, along with these opportunities comes a new responsibility: a material that performs perfectly in the aesthetically important zone may fail when used on implants in the posterior region.

Clinical success today is not just a “beautiful crown,” but a balance between two poles:

• Mechanical survival: the ability of a structure to withstand occlusal loads of 500–800 MPa for years without causing abutment fractures or bone resorption.
• Biomimetics: optical equivalence to natural dental tissue, which should be maintained for decades, not just until the first polishing.

We will not be quoting advertising brochures. The purpose of this review is to provide practitioners with an objective guide to the physical and chemical properties of materials. We’ll explore why the “strongest” zirconia is sometimes inferior to “brittle” ceramics, how the type of superstructure affects the life of the prosthesis, and which material to choose for full-mouth rehabilitations during the adaptation phase.

Ultimately, choosing the right material is the doctor’s insurance against claims and the key to a predictable outcome, where strength figures from reference books (which we’ll discuss in detail below) translate into years of comfortable prosthetic service.

Why Zirconia Is the “Gold Standard” of Our Time

Until recently, zirconium dioxide was perceived solely as a “white metal” — a durable but lifeless, opaque framework that required veneering. Today, the situation has changed radically. Zirconia has undergone a rapid evolution, transforming it from a compromise solution into an uncompromising market leader.

Full-arch restoration supported by five zirconia implants.

Evolution of generations: from durability to aesthetics

The development of the material has been carried out by controlling its microstructure and adding yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃) to stabilize the crystal lattice:

• 3Y-TZP (first generation): classic high-strength zirconia (flexural strength >1000 MPa). It has high opacity, making it primarily used as a framework material or for posterior monolithic restorations, where functionality is more important than appearance.
• 4Y-PSZ / 5Y-PSZ (new generations): increasing the yttrium content has allowed for the creation of “multilayered” zirconia. Here strength is slightly compromised in favor of translucency, making them visually indistinguishable from natural enamel. The gradient of color and translucency in a single block allows the clinician to create restorations in the aesthetic zone without the risk of ceramic chipping.

Long-term benefits

Zirconia has secured its “gold standard” status thanks to two factors that are critical for implant applications:

1. Biocompatibility and hygienic properties: the zirconium dioxide surface has a minimal Surface Free Energy (SFE), making it highly bioinert — bacterial biofilm forms on it much more slowly than on titanium or gold alloys. This allows for the formation of a healthy and stable gingival contour around the prosthesis. If there are no signs of inflammation, this ensures the longevity of the entire structure.
2. The Prettau (monolithic zirconia) concept: the transition to fully anatomical (monolithic) structures has completely eliminated the main problem of the past — chipping (fracture of the veneering ceramic). Monolithic zirconia does not delaminate, does not wear out, and maintains occlusal precision for years.

Disadvantages and risks

Despite its leading position, the material is demanding in terms of detail. The main risk arises from errors during milling and sintering, which can lead to internal stress. Zirconia’s high modulus of elasticity is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it allows for the creation of long-span bridge structures that remain stable under load. On the other hand, the absence of plastic deformation makes it uncompromising in terms of fit accuracy. While metal can “forgive” micron-scale abutment errors due to its elasticity, rigid zirconia accumulates internal stress during a non-passive fit. This often leads to catastrophic fractures in the cervical region, highlighting the critical importance of using precision original superstructures.

Clinical scope of application

Today, zirconia is indispensable in the following scenarios:

• Long-span bridges (due to the highest bending resistance), but only if a passive fit is maintained.
• Restorations in the posterior region in cases of severe bruxism.
• Implant-supported prostheses in cases of limited interocclusal space, where it is necessary to achieve maximum strength with minimum wall thickness.

Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramics (e.max and Similar)

If zirconium dioxide is the “armor” of modern dentistry, then lithium disilicate is its “artificial enamel.” The advent of this material revolutionized aesthetic restorations, allowing dentists to move beyond the compromise between beauty and durability.

Sample of e.max lithium disilicate crowns.

Optical properties: the magic of translucency

The main advantage of glass-ceramics is their optical properties. Unlike zirconia, which even in multilayered versions has a certain degree of opacity, lithium disilicate possesses:

• True translucency: light penetrates deep into the material and is scattered in the same way as in natural tooth tissue.
• Opalescence: the ability to change shade depending on the angle of illumination, which is critically important in the aesthetically significant zone (the anterior teeth).

This makes e.max the benchmark for creating veneers and crowns that are indistinguishable from adjacent natural teeth, even under professional lighting.

Mechanical properties: the principle of biomimetics

In terms of numbers, lithium disilicate has a lower strength than zirconia (approximately 400–500 MPa versus 1000+ MPa). However, it has another strategic advantage: its elastic modulus.

The elasticity of glass-ceramics is much closer to the elastic modulus of natural tooth enamel. This allows the structure to work synergistically with tooth tissue rather than in conflict with it. Under chewing load, glass-ceramics distribute pressure more physiologically, reducing the risk of stress on underlying tissues or cement lines.

Long-term data and survival

Clinical observations (up to 10–15 years) show impressive results for single-tooth crowns. The survival rate of e.max in the posterior and anterior regions is comparable to that of zirconia, and it often surpasses it in terms of color and surface gloss retention. Thanks to the adhesive cementation process, these restorations become one with the tooth, minimizing the risk of microleakage.

Limitations: where the possibilities end

Despite all its advantages, glass-ceramics have clear application limits:

1. High occlusal loads: in patients with severe bruxism or masticatory muscle hypertrophy, the risk of glass-ceramic fracture in the posterior region is significantly higher than that of monolithic zirconia.
2. Bridges: lithium disilicate is not recommended for long-span restorations. The maximum acceptable option is a three-unit bridge in the anterior region (extending to the premolar), but even here dentists tend to favor more rigid frameworks.
3. Masking discolorations: the high translucency of the material becomes a problem when it is necessary to cover a severely discolored tooth preparation or a metal abutment. In such cases, special opaque subtypes (HO/MO blocks) are required, which somewhat reduces the overall aesthetics.

Polymeric and Nanohybrid Composites (CAD/CAM PMMA & Composites)

In traditional dentistry, polymers were long considered a mere “transitional step.” However, with the development of high-temperature molding in factory settings (pressure polymerization), CAD/CAM blocks made of PMMA and composites have become full-fledged players, occupying their own unique niche.

Full-arch restoration using 3D-printed PMMA.

Role in the modern protocol: from temporary solutions to long-term shock absorption

Modern PMMA is not the self-curing acrylic used previously. It is a high-density material with no residual monomer, because it is first polymerized at high temperatures and the crowns are milled from solid PMMA blocks on the same machines used to make zirconia prostheses.

Today it is used not simply to keep the patient from walking around toothless, but as a tool for functional adaptation. It is indispensable in full-mouth rehabilitations, when the new vertical dimension of occlusion and mandibular position need to be verified over several months before moving on to zirconia.

Advantages: repairability and the cushioning effect

1. Shock-absorbing effect: this is perhaps the main clinical advantage of composites. Unlike the absolutely rigid zirconia, composite has an elastic modulus close to that of bone and dentin. It acts as a shock absorber, dampening impact loads. This is critically important in implant-supported restorations (especially in full-arch 4/6 protocols), as the absence of a periodontal ligament makes the implant-bone system very sensitive to heavy impacts.
2. Perfect milling accuracy: polymers are more pliable during machining. This allows for milling crown margins with micron precision, achieving the perfect marginal fit that is sometimes difficult to obtain with fragile ceramics.
3. Repairability: if a chip occurs during use, it can be repaired directly in the chair using a regular light-curing composite.

Disadvantages: the downside of plasticity

• Wear rate: composite is softer than enamel and ceramic. Over time the cusps wear away, which can lead to a loss of the desired vertical dimension of occlusion after prolonged wear (more than 1.5–2 years).
• Discoloration and plaque: despite their high density, polymers are more porous than ceramics. They are prone to the accumulation of food pigments and plaque, requiring impeccable hygiene.
• Material aging: when exposed to the humid environment of the oral cavity, the polymer matrix gradually degrades, which limits the service life of such structures.

Clinical niche

• Adaptive prostheses: the stage between implantation and permanent prosthetics.
• Hybrid dentures (full-arch 4/6): use of composite veneers on a metal or titanium framework to reduce the load on the implants.
• Protective occlusal guards and splints: created digitally, they offer significantly greater precision and wear resistance.

Comparison Table (Clinical Benchmarking)

To help you systematize your choice, we’ve compiled the key material characteristics into a single table. This data is based on averaged clinical studies and the technical data sheets of leading manufacturers.

A brief guide for the clinician:

• If you need strength and hardness: choose zirconia. It is forgiving of long pontic spans in bridges and of insufficient framework thickness.
• If you’re looking for beauty: choose lithium disilicate. Adhesive bonding allows the restoration to become part of the tooth, making it ideal for veneers.
• If adaptation is needed: choose composites. They absorb loads (the cushioning effect), which is critical for patients with muscle dysfunction or immediately after implant placement.

Synergy of Material and Superstructure: A Manufacturer’s Perspective

Choosing the most expensive and durable material — whether premium zirconia or aesthetic lithium disilicate — can be compromised by a mistake when selecting the superstructure. In digital dentistry, the prosthetic material and abutment must be considered as a single biomechanical system.

The importance of the interface: precision vs. stress

As we’ve already established, zirconium dioxide is extremely hard and has virtually no elasticity. This means it is unforgiving of even micron-scale deviations in abutment geometry.

• Original abutment structures (XGATE Dental): manufactured to tight tolerances, ensuring a precise fit. When the zirconia crown fits perfectly on the abutment, chewing forces are distributed evenly across the entire contact area.
• Risks of inaccuracy: if there is a micro-gap in the connection, the load is concentrated at one point. In a rigid material, this inevitably leads to the formation of microcracks, which over time develop into catastrophic fractures in the thinnest part — the screw neck or screw access channel.

The V-Type multi-unit abutments with a reduced taper deserve special attention. This design allows for increased restoration thickness at the prosthesis/abutment junction, reducing the risk of cracks and fractures.

A reduced-taper cone leaves more space for restorative material at the vulnerable crown margin.

The reduced taper also allows for compensation of the deviation angle between implants of up to 40°.

Angled abutments compensate for implant divergence of up to 40°.

Screw retention: the standard of safety and convenience

In modern practice, screw retention is becoming a priority, and material selection plays a crucial role. XGATE Dental’s screw-retained components enable the most effective implementation of the screw-retained restoration concept:

1. Prevention of “cement disease”: screw retention completely eliminates the ingress of cement residues into the subgingival space, which is the main prevention strategy for peri-implantitis.
2. Marginal seal: the perfect fit between the abutment platform and the internal geometry of the zirconia framework ensures a sealed connection that prevents bacterial colonization within the screw access channel.
3. Passivity of fit: when using bridge structures on multiple implants, it is the precision of the superstructures that ensures the absence of stress in the framework when tightening the screws.

Material protection through CAD/CAM precision

Modern protocols require precision at every stage. Using manufacturer libraries with verified parameters allows for milling the abutment seat with a perfect marginal fit. This is especially important for glass-ceramics (e.max), where the thin margins are most vulnerable to chipping.

Section summary: the durability of zirconia and the aesthetics of ceramics are just the tip of the iceberg. The foundation lies in the precision of the superstructure interface. Investing in high-quality components (such as the XGATE Dental line) is the only way to ensure that the material’s physical properties are fully realized and do not lead to failure due to mechanical conflict.

Conclusion

The era of standardized solutions, where a single material was used for all clinical cases, is gone forever. Today, the success of prosthetics depends on the doctor’s ability to meticulously select the right material for the specific task, taking into account not only the patient’s aesthetic preferences but also the biomechanics of the entire system.

What to choose

• Zirconia remains the “gold standard” for posterior teeth, long-span bridges, and implant work where maximum reliability and biological inertness are required.
• Glass-ceramics (e.max) are the undisputed leaders in the aesthetically significant area, allowing for complete optical integration with natural teeth.
• Composite materials are an indispensable tool for adaptation, full-mouth reconstruction, and load absorption in complex protocols.

However, it is important to remember: any material, even the most perfect, remains a “semi-finished product” until it is connected to a support. The use of precision superstructures and digital protocols is not a luxury, but a technical necessity. Only by ensuring a passive fit and precise interface can we guarantee that the physics of the material will work for us, not against us.

Development forecast: gradient is the future

The industry is moving toward even greater biomimetics. The future lies in gradient materials, where, in a single piece, the strength of zirconia at the base will seamlessly transition to the aesthetics of glass-ceramic at the incisal edge. We are on the verge of materials that will not simply imitate teeth, but completely replicate their elastic modulus and wear resistance.

For clinicians, this means one thing: constantly updating their knowledge and tools. By choosing proven components and understanding the physics of materials, we provide our patients with results that will last for decades.

Sources

• MDPI Biomimetics (2025): a retrospective study showed that after five years the cumulative survival of zirconia was 94% and that of lithium disilicate 89%. Zirconia demonstrates better mechanical reliability in the occlusal areas, while lithium disilicate has an advantage in the aesthetics of the anterior group.
• ResearchGate: Comparative Evaluation (2025): a randomized study of 240 patients confirmed that zirconia has a lower incidence of fractures and chipping, especially on molars.
• Journal of Dentistry (ScienceDirect): a 10-year follow-up of lithium disilicate structures confirms their reliability, although the risk of chipping of the veneering ceramic remains relevant.

Use of composites

Composites are more often considered in the long term as a material for temporary structures or adhesive bridges (FRC):

• PMC: Clinical Performance of Long-Term Temporary FDPs: a study of composite prostheses showed a high incidence of debonding (18.1%) and fractures (14.1%) within the first year, making them less reliable for permanent prosthetics than ceramics.
• ResearchGate: Fiber-Reinforced Composite vs. Zirconia (2025): a comparison of cantilever prostheses over 36 months showed a high survival rate for both types (about 97%), but composites more often require correction due to wear.

Zirconia: monolithic vs. bilayered

• PMC: Revolution of Current Dental Zirconia (2022): a review of the evolution of zirconia indicates that monolithic structures significantly reduce the number of mechanical complications (ceramic chips), which were the main problem of early generations of zirconia-ceramic prostheses.
• Springer Link (2023): a comparison of monolithic and veneered zirconia confirms that bilayered structures suffer from delamination more often.

Don’t let a flawed foundation compromise your premium restorations. The precision of the superstructure interface is the true foundation of long-term clinical success. Unlock the full potential of zirconia and glass-ceramics with the XGATE Dental line.

View the XGATE Catalog

Exhibiting alongside our local partner, SE Implants & Medical Technologies, our booth at Pavilion A2 welcomed dental professionals, clinical experts, and distributors to discuss clinical applications and product integration.

Focus on Screw-Retained Restorations

During the exhibition, we demonstrated our technical approach to the restorative stage. Our screw-retained systems are developed with the goal of minimizing return visits and reducing the need for refits, structuring prosthetics for the long-term maintenance of both the prosthesis and the implant.

A primary focus at our booth was our portfolio of Multi-Unit Abutments (MUAs). Presenting a new worldwide standard for screw-retained systems, our MUA portfolio is compatible with over 50 implant platforms. Visitors reviewed the specifications of our core MUA lines:

• D-Type: A standard solution for All-on-X procedures, providing straight and angulated options up to 45 degrees for complex full-arch restorations.
• V-Type: Developed for cases with limited vertical space. This straight MUA is capable of correcting an angle of up to 40 degrees through its small cone design.

To support seamless integration into digital workflows, all our abutments are color-coded for clear identification and are fully CAD/CAM compatible.

Overview of X3 and X11 Implant Systems

In addition to prosthetic components, our implant lines were available for detailed review. Attendees examined the mechanics of our X3 (Internal Hex) and X11 (Conical Connection) systems. Both systems utilize our “Pure & Porous” surface technology, which is designed to support active osseointegration and clinical stability.

Looking Ahead

We thank the dental professionals who visited Stand 7 in Rimini. The practical discussions regarding clinical applications provided valuable feedback for our ongoing development. Participating in the Expodental Meeting helps us ensure our engineering aligns with the daily requirements of dental practitioners.

For more information regarding the specifications of the products presented at the Expodental Meeting 2026, please visit our Product Catalog or contact our team via the Contact Page.

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Contents

• Why Custom Healing Caps Are the Gold Standard for the Anterior Region
• Digital Workflow for Emergence Profile and Custom Abutment Design
• Why Implant Placement Should Be Guided in the Aesthetic Zone
• Standard S-Type Abutments as a Rational Alternative

This article discusses the specifics of aesthetic implant placement. Specifically, it covers the routine procedures dentists perform every day and how modern technologies help achieve previously unattainable precision. It also discusses several innovative solutions that can streamline the prosthetic workflow.

Only clinical skill combined with modern technology can consistently deliver clear and predictable results. This is true in any field, but in this article, we will explore several elegant solutions from Galip Gürel, DMD, from Turkey, using specific clinical case studies. Let’s start with a case of anterior dental implants.

Why Custom Healing Caps Are the Gold Standard for the Anterior Region

The anterior region is especially important. Here, aesthetics are crucial in addition to functionality, and achieving this is not easy, as the alveolar ridge in the anterior region is quite thin. It is easy to lose the buccal bone plate, and with it, the soft tissue. The papillae will recede or disappear completely, and over time, the implant will not only become exposed but can also be lost due to peri-implantitis.

The fact is that bone grafting and soft tissue grafting may not produce the desired result if the gingival contour has not been perfectly shaped. Therefore, prosthetics in the aesthetic zone require special skill.

The first clinical case involves a patient who first visited a dentist back in 1997.

The patient received a post-retained crown on tooth 11 and returned much later to have his smile line corrected.

Initial condition: the central incisor 11 has a crown on a post-and-core; the 12th tooth is vital, but the incisal edge is damaged; the overall aesthetics require correction. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

The decision was made to correct the dental arch with veneers. Everything was perfect during the mock-up and APT stages. The photo below shows the APT (Aesthetic Pre-evaluative Temporary) stage.

APT (Aesthetic Pre-evaluative Temporary) for testing functional comfort when used before tooth preparation. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

Initially, the plan was to preserve the post-and-core and slightly prepare the core to fabricate a new crown identical to the one obtained at the APT stage.

The process is shown below; the first photo shows teeth being prepared for the placement of Porcelain Laminate Veneers.

The next picture shows the veneers already bonded and the prepared post-and-core for the new crown.

The last photo in the series shows the finished result: veneers and a new crown on tooth 11.

And everything would have been fine if the post hadn’t broken in 2016, see the series of photos below. Nothing could be done with the remaining root, only removal of the root fragments and placement of an implant.

A tooth root fracture and loss of the post-and-core along with the crown. The remaining root cannot be treated—removal, debridement, and implant placement. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

The good news is that the crown itself was preserved, meaning it was now possible to take a scan for the future restoration. This data can be saved digitally for future use.

In 2016, digital technology had advanced so much that the crown was temporarily placed back into position to allow a digital scan to be taken using an intraoral optical scanner.

The process of processing a digital scan of the dental arch – the data is saved forever; if any problems with the crown, teeth, or veneers occur again, a new restoration can easily be reproduced using the saved data. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

A surgical guide was also created using the same data. The implant placement procedure is shown below.

Brief sequence of actions: removal of the crown with the post; debridement of the socket to remove root fragments; placement of a surgical guide; preparation of the implant site; placement of the implant with a cover screw; closure of the wound with a soft tissue graft. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

Note the final stage, namely, how the wound was closed after tooth extraction and implant placement. For this, a connective tissue graft was taken from the palate and partially de-epithelialized.

The epithelial layer was removed on the palatal and vestibular parts of the graft but was preserved on the tissue island left exposed directly over the socket of the extracted tooth.

De-epithelialization of the connective tissue graft and the process of placing the tissue fragment. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

The graft “wings” were then placed into a subepithelial envelope, and the graft itself was secured with sutures. The healing process proceeded without complications.

The beginning of healing; suture material and the soft tissue graft are visible. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

The healing process went without complications, and after just one week, we see this result.

The soft tissue healing process is almost complete just one week after tooth extraction. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

However, immediate loading of the implant was impossible. To cover the defect as a temporary solution, a provisional crown was bonded using the Maryland bridge technique (see photo below). The appearance isn’t perfect, but it’s better than a missing incisor in the aesthetic zone.

External view of a temporary crown with an overlay of a radiograph showing the implant position. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

Digital Workflow for Emergence Profile and Custom Abutment Design

After the completion of osseointegration, the gingiva was uncovered with a tissue punch, and a scan body was connected to the implant; see the images below.

Connecting a scan body and taking a digital scan. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

In this case, a digital scan was acquired, but instead of a scan body, a classic impression coping could have been placed, and a conventional impression could have been taken using the closed or open tray technique.

But digital technology offers more possibilities. In this case, the goal was to model a customized emergence profile to preserve the interdental papillae. The crown shape of the extracted tooth served as the baseline.

This is where CBCT and intraoral optical scanning data came in handy.

Overlaid CBCT and optical scan data showing the dentition, tooth roots, and soft tissues. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

The digital design of the crown and the custom abutment was developed in the slide below.

Еhe implant fixture and provisional crown in a virtual environment (the roots of adjacent teeth and bone tissue are made invisible). DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

A temporary screw-retained crown was fabricated using the TELIO CAD milling process. As can be seen in the image, the soft tissue adaptation is perfect.

Screw-retained provisional crown: near-perfect gingival fit. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

Digital technology was also used to create the definitive crown. The specialists used a backward planning approach; the crown shape and the required emergence profile were predetermined. Based on this, a custom abutment was designed and then milled (see slide below). The crown material is shown as translucent, the abutment as opaque.

Design of a crown and custom abutment in the digital environment. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

After the crown and abutment dimensions were finalized, the files were sent for milling. The crown and abutment were fabricated separately.

Custom abutment for the restoration of the central incisor (tooth 11). DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

The abutment was then cemented to a Ti-base and was ready for crown placement.

The process of cementing a custom abutment onto a Ti-base. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

The next step is cementing the crown to the abutment. There are several techniques and bonding agents for cementing different materials, so we won’t go into detail.

Cementation of a crown onto a custom abutment. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

Since all cementation procedures are performed extraorally, the risk of excess cement contacting the peri-implant soft tissue is completely eliminated. The transition zone is cleaned and polished. The smooth, polished surface is ideal for contact with the epithelial portion of the soft tissue attachment.

Cleaning and polishing the implant/abutment transition zone before delivering the prosthesis. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

Why Implant Placement Should Be Guided in the Aesthetic Zone

Let’s reiterate why it’s important to place implants using a surgical guide. Many specialists prepare the osteotomy using a guide and then place the implants freehand.

If cement retention is planned, this isn’t as critical. However, with screw retention, the precise angulation and placement of the implant are much more important.

Firstly, there is less risk of screw access hole misangulation.

Secondly, it’s easier to adhere to the 1.5 mm rule, which dictates there should be at least 1.5 mm of bone between the implant and the adjacent vital tooth. This rule applies to both screw- and cement-retained restorations.

In addition, the advantages of screw retention include minimal trauma to the soft tissues during the try-in and delivery stages.

In this case, we have a custom abutment, and there are specific nuances to shaping the emergence profile. In the posterior region, standard healing abutments are more commonly used, which are placed immediately after implant placement and are not removed. The gingival cuff is formed once and is not disturbed again until shortly before the definitive restoration is delivered.

The screw-retained method combined with double platform switching allows for maximum crestal bone preservation. This is especially important in the anterior region. Here, it’s crucial to maintain the maximum height of the interproximal bone peaks between the teeth and the implants. The interdental papillae rely on these bone peaks for support. If the patient loses these bone peaks, problems with gingival attachment and black triangles are inevitable.

Returning to our case, the illustration below shows the soft tissue architecture before the failure of the previous restoration and on the day the new prosthesis was delivered. For clarity, a radiograph is superimposed on the image, showing the crestal bone level around the implant.

Comparison of the gingival condition before implant placement and on the first day after the delivery of the new screw-retained implant restoration. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

The image above, taken on the day of crown delivery, shows slight swelling and mild inflammation of the gingiva, meaning the papillae have not yet taken their final shape. However, the situation improves over time, as confirmed by images taken one week and three months after crown placement.

The condition of the gingiva and interdental papillae around the crown over time: complete success, the soft tissues are tight, the adaptation is excellent, and the interdental papillae are at the maximum possible height for implant-supported restorations. DT STUDY CLUB/ Dr. Galip Gürel

We examined not just a successful clinical case from Dr. Galip Gürel, but a masterpiece where digital technology enabled the achievement of the highest precision and beautiful aesthetics.

Standard S-Type Abutments as a Rational Alternative

As we’ve already mentioned, fabricating a crown and custom abutment using CAD/CAM methods is quite expensive, and not every patient can afford it. XGATE Dental’s straight S-type Multi-Unit abutments offer a predictable, reliable, and more affordable alternative for aesthetically demanding areas. Being the smallest in the line (with a platform diameter of just 3.5 mm), they embody the Tissue-First Design engineering concept. This ultra-thin geometry allows for the preservation of maximum soft tissue volume, which is critical for creating a natural emergence profile and supporting the interdental papillae.

XGate Dental’s S-type multi-unit abutment design

A special advantage of the system is the international XGATE Dental standard – exceptional versatility: S-Type provides seamless integration with over 50 different implant platforms, regardless of the manufacturer’s brand. The S-Type prosthetic workflow is thoughtfully designed down to the last detail and fits perfectly into a modern digital workflow: intuitive color-coding of abutments based on gingival cuff height (1.0 mm – yellow, 2.0 mm – blue, 3.0 mm – pink, 4.0 mm – green) eliminates communication errors between the surgeon and the dental lab. Combined with special narrow sleeves (2.9 mm in diameter), the system leaves more space for the restorative material itself and even allows for angled screw channels.

S-type multi-unit abutment sizes and color-coded gingival height options

At the same time, the connection maintains a zero-tolerance machining level: a zero micro-gap prevents bacterial infiltration, reliably protecting the crestal bone. Importantly, by choosing the standard S-Type solution, the clinic does not sacrifice the advantages of digital dentistry. All prosthetic components are integrated into verified CAD/CAM libraries (Exocad, 3Shape, Shining3D). This allows for the design of restorations with pinpoint precision. Scan-to-Fit allows users to change components in a digital environment without taking additional impressions and achieve absolute aesthetic success time after time.

IMPORTANT! Multi-Unit abutments are only indicated for multiple-unit restorations (bridges). Ti-base abutments are indicated for single-tooth restorations; see the illustration below.

Ti-base internal hex platform

Ti-base conical regular platform

We hope the material in this article was interesting, stay tuned for the next publications.

This year, alongside our trusted partner, Denta Solaris, we were thrilled to welcome dental professionals to our stand. It was a fantastic opportunity to step away from formal presentations and focus on lively, hands-on discussions about the engineering behind digital restorative workflows and full-arch implantology.

Through in-person conversations at the booth, visitors were able to examine the mechanics of our Multi-Unit Abutment (MUA) portfolio, getting a close look at our D-Type, S-Type, and V-Type systems. We received incredible feedback on our worldwide MUA solutions, which provide compatibility with over 50 implant platforms.

We were also proud to showcase our core XGATE Dental implants, which are characterized by strict engineering tolerances and designed for consistent primary stability and reliable osseointegration. It was immensely valuable to discuss specific clinical cases with you and demonstrate how our implants, working in direct synergy with our standard prosthetic components, fully integrate into CAD/CAM protocols.

We sincerely thank all the clinicians, partners, and new friends who joined us at this event! Your professionalism, insightful questions, and trust inspire us to keep pushing boundaries. We look forward to seeing you at future events!

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At Stand S5, our team will focus on the engineering behind digital restorative workflows and full-arch implantology. Visitors can examine the mechanics of our Multi-Unit Abutment (MUA) portfolio, including the D-Type, S-Type, and V-Type systems. Engineered to serve as a global standard in prosthetics, our MUA solutions provide compatibility with over 50 implant platforms.

A notable feature of the exhibit is the V-Type MUA — a straight component that achieves angle correction purely through its small cone geometry. We will also present XGATE Dental implants, characterized by strict engineering tolerances and designed for consistent primary stability and reliable osseointegration.

Working in direct synergy, XGATE implants and Standard prosthetic components are fully integrated into modern CAD/CAM protocols. Clinicians are invited to review our hardware and discuss specific clinical cases with our specialists to see how these systems deliver predictable outcomes.

Registration for the congress is available via the official website at https://www.nnyudhek.org/en.

We look forward to welcoming you at Stand S5!

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The exhibition was presented in collaboration with our trusted partner in Turkey, Denta Solaris A. Ş.

Over the course of the four-day event, the XGATE Dental booth served as a professional hub for dental surgeons, prosthodontists, and dental technicians. The central focus of this year’s presentation was “Precision and Education”—highlighting the practical implementation of digital workflows and engineering solutions designed to eliminate critical clinical risks, such as screw fractures and restorative misalignment.

Technical Training and Clinical Insights A core component of the exhibition was the educational program led by Msc. Dr. Armin Tavana. These sessions focused on the practical transition to digital workflows, specifically:

• Digital Surgical Guides: The integration of XGATE components for predictable implant placement.
• Multi-Unit Precision: Technical reviews of the V-Type and D-Type systems. The sessions emphasized that the true secret to a restoration’s longevity lies “inside”—identifying the Multi-Unit Abutment (MUA) as the core foundation that ensures passive fit and long-term stability when managing complex angles.

Engineering Logic and Reliability IDEX Istanbul 2026 provided a strategic platform for knowledge exchange with the dental community across Eurasia. Professional feedback confirmed the clinical demand for XGATE’s passive connection technology, which delivers 66% more surface contact. This engineering metric is critical for preventing screw fractures and ensuring the structural durability of the prosthesis under high functional loads.

The success of this event reinforces XGATE Dental’s strategic commitment: to operate not merely as a manufacturer, but as a dedicated partner in clinical excellence through continuous innovation and high-tech restorative solutions.

Next stop: Expodental Meeting in Rimini! 🇮🇹 See you there!

Building on this momentum, XGATE Dental is preparing for its next major appearance at the Expodental Meeting 2026 in Rimini, Italy (May 14–16). We invite our partners and dental professionals to join us as we continue to shape the digital future of dentistry.

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XGATE Dental provides new worldwide standard screw-retained systems developed to minimize return visits and reduce the need for refits. The company focuses on improving the restorative stage, transforming prosthetics into a high-tech, maintainable structure that protects both the prosthesis and the implant for decades.

During the Expodental Meeting 2026 XGATE Dental will present the company’s portfolio of Multi-Unit Abutments (MUAs) compatible with 50+ implant platforms:

• D-Type: A Standard solution for All-on-X procedures, featuring straight and angulated options up to 45 degrees for complex full-arch restorations.
• V-Type: Designed for cases with limited vertical space, this MUA is straight but capable of correcting an angle of up to 40 degrees. The small cone allows for angle correction.
• S-Type: Developed for the anterior zone to accommodate narrow and buccally positioned implants.

The abutments are color-coded for identification and are fully CAD/CAM compatible, ensuring seamless integration into modern digital workflows.

Additionally, visitors to the XGATE booth will be able to explore the XGATE implant line in detail, specifically the X3 (Internal Hex) and X11 (Conical connection) systems. Both systems utilize “Pure & Porous” surface technology to support osseointegration and long-term stability.

Visit Us in Rimini

Dental professionals, clinical experts, and distributors are invited to discover XGATE Dental’s innovations and discuss clinical applications with the team at Pavilion A2, Stand 7 at the Rimini Expo Centre, located at Via Emilia 155.

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