If it were my mouth, I would at least consider it.  It’s not a new concept and I’ll try to explain because at Westcoast we mention it to each of our implant planned patients.

The abutment is something that fits on the top of the implant.  The final tooth (crown) is then cemented on this completing the implant restoration.

There are two types of abutments:  a stock abutment,  is one we take out of a package or a customized abutment, where an advanced milling machine makes it for only your tooth situation.  Because it has to be custom manufactured, the fee is higher at 250USD.  In Vietnam, we have access to one lab that customizes abutments also exported to the USA and Australia.  The typical dentist charge in USA and Australia for a custom abutment is at least 500USD to 1,000USD.  The materials used are gold, titanium and zirconium.

The cost difference between a Custom Abutment and a stock abutment is only about 100 USD at Westcoast. If the cost difference is not much to you, then we often would go with the custom abutment. Wouldn’t you want a custom fabricated support structure for your custom fabricated tooth?

In many cases, the health benefits for choosing a custom fit will help maintain soft tissue and even make it easier for you to keep the area clean.

There are many occasions when a stock abutment, especially in molar or pre-molar areas will work, and it is absolutely no advantage to have a custom abutment.  Our implant doctor at Westcoast places the implant in the most favorable position making the prosthetic part easy to restore.  However, especially when we are working on your front teeth and if you demand the best aesthetic smile, we want the best result and this is definitely a customized abutment.

By Dr. Claire Thanh Kervyn and Andrew Tsang

Westcoast International Dental Clinic

www.westcoastinternational.com

Tel: +84 8 3825 6999

info@westcoastinternational.com