Vincent Donker

This presentation aims to discuss the clinical performance and outcomes of implant-supported abutment-free CAD/CAM monolithic zirconia restorations in the posterior region during a 1-year follow-up period. The study included 50 molar sites, utilizing tapered tissue-level implants with an internal flat connection. Placement of individual zirconia healing abutments in a one-stage surgical procedure was followed by the delivery of screw-retained abutment-free CAD/CAM monolithic zirconia restorations after three months. The primary focus of the presentation will be on the evaluation of marginal bone level (MBL) changes over time, assessed through calibrated intraoral radiographs. Additionally, secondary outcomes such as implant and restoration survival rates, soft tissue outcomes, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and restoration success rates based on modified USPHS criteria will be presented. Preliminary findings from the study indicate a 1-year survival rate of 98% for the implants and 100% for the restorations, demonstrating the high success rate of this innovative treatment approach. MBL change between the baseline and 1-year follow-up was minimal (-0.16 mm), indicating favorable stability of the peri-implant bone. The presentation will also highlight the healthy soft tissue outcomes observed, with low scores for plaque accumulation, presence of calculus, bleeding tendency, and peri-implant inflammation indices. Furthermore, patient satisfaction significantly increased from baseline to the 1-year follow-up, reflecting the positive impact of these restorations on the patients’ quality of life. The restoration success rate based on modified USPHS criteria was 100%, indicating the excellent performance and longevity of abutment-free monolithic zirconia restorations in the posterior region. Overall, the presentation will emphasize that the use of abutment-free CAD/CAM monolithic zirconia restorations is a promising treatment option for posterior implant restorations. The positive clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes observed in this study support the short-term viability of this approach.

Vincent Donker studied dentistry at the University of Groningen. During his studies, he was board member of the dental faculty student association and was student assistant at the Department of Implant Dentistry. He graduated as a dentist in 2020 and in that same year started PhD research on the subject of digital innovations in implant dentistry, combined with working as a general dentist in a private practice. Vincent is a member of several scientific associations in the fields of implant dentistry, restorative dentistry and aesthetic dentistry.