The lingual locking screw for implant-retained restorations--aesthetics and retrievability.

Abstract

The ability to retrieve a restoration is often cited as an advantage of implant-borne prostheses. Cemented prostheses, particularly in single-tooth cases, have been promoted for aesthetic reasons, and to allow increased positional flexibility in fixture placement. However, this approach may compromise restoration retrieval. This paper discusses the concept of a secondary locking screw, which allows latitude in fixture position, good aesthetics, and retrievability.