Can You Use A BioHorizons Healing Abutment With Other Implant Systems?

Content Menu

● What Is a Healing Abutment?

● Overview of BioHorizons Healing Abutments

● Compatibility of BioHorizons Healing Abutments With Other Implant Systems

>> Technical Compatibility

>> Cross-Platform Considerations

>> Clinical Recommendations

● Advantages of Using BioHorizons Healing Abutments

● How to Use BioHorizons Healing Abutments

>> Step-by-Step Placement Guide

● Potential Risks of Using Non-BioHorizons Healing Abutments

● Summary Table: BioHorizons Healing Abutments vs. Other Implant Systems

● Conclusion

● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

>> 1. Can I use a BioHorizons healing abutment on a non-BioHorizons implant?

>> 2. What makes BioHorizons healing abutments different from others?

>> 3. Are there third-party healing abutments compatible with BioHorizons implants?

>> 4. How do SmartShape healing abutments improve the implant workflow?

>> 5. What are the risks of using non-authentic healing abutments?

● Citations:

Dental implantology has evolved significantly over the years, with various implant systems and components designed to optimize healing, restoration, and patient outcomes. One critical component in the implant process is the healing abutment, which plays a vital role in shaping soft tissue and protecting the implant site during the healing phase. Among the many brands available, BioHorizons healing abutments are widely recognized for their design, quality, and clinical performance.

This comprehensive article explores the question: Can you use a BioHorizons healing abutment with other implant systems? We will delve into the technical compatibility, clinical considerations, advantages of BioHorizons healing abutments, and practical guidance. The article also includes detailed images, videos, and an FAQ section to provide a thorough understanding.

What Is a Healing Abutment?

A healing abutment is a temporary component attached to a dental implant after placement to:

- Protect the implant from plaque and debris

- Promote soft tissue healing and contouring

- Facilitate the formation of a natural-looking gumline around the implant site

Healing abutments come in various sizes, shapes, and materials, tailored to different implant systems and clinical needs.

Overview of BioHorizons Healing Abutments

BioHorizons offers a broad range of healing abutments designed specifically for their implant systems. Key features include:

- Laser-Lok surface technology: This microchannel technology promotes connective tissue attachment and inhibits epithelial downgrowth, helping to maintain bone and soft tissue health around the implant[4][16].

- Precision fit and color-coded platforms: BioHorizons healing abutments are designed with tight machining tolerances and color coding to match specific implant platforms, ensuring a secure and stable fit[2][15].

- Variety of sizes and emergence profiles: Available in narrow, regular, wide, and extra-wide emergence profiles with multiple gingival heights to accommodate different clinical situations[10][15].

- SmartShape™ Healers: Anatomically shaped healing abutments with scannable occlusal surfaces to support digital workflows, streamlining the transition from surgical to restorative phases[3][5][9][11].

Compatibility of BioHorizons Healing Abutments With Other Implant Systems

Technical Compatibility

BioHorizons healing abutments are engineered to fit their proprietary implant connections, primarily featuring:

- Tapered Internal Hex connection

- Conical internal hex connection with Spiralock thread design

These connections are designed with precision to ensure a biologic seal, strength, and durability[2].

However, many third-party manufacturers produce compatible healing abutments designed to fit BioHorizons implants, and vice versa, some healing abutments from other brands may physically fit BioHorizons implants if the connection geometry matches, especially the internal hex size and platform diameter[1][7][8][13].

Cross-Platform Considerations

- Internal Hex Compatibility: Some healing abutments from other implant systems (e.g., Zimmer) share similar internal hex connections and platform sizes with BioHorizons, allowing potential interchangeability in specific cases[13].

- Platform Diameter Matching: Healing abutments must match the implant platform diameter (e.g., 3.5mm, 4.5mm, 5.7mm) to fit securely and avoid micro-movements that can compromise healing[7][8].

- Connection Geometry: Even if the platform diameter matches, slight variations in taper angle, hex depth, or screw thread design can affect the fit and seal, risking implant complications.

Clinical Recommendations

- Use Authentic BioHorizons Components When Possible: BioHorizons emphasizes using their authentic healing abutments to ensure precision fit, reduce prosthetic failures, and maintain the biologic seal[2][15].

- Third-Party Use Requires Caution: While some third-party healing abutments claim compatibility, clinicians should verify exact fit and mechanical stability before use. Mismatched components may lead to screw loosening, microleakage, or tissue irritation.

- Consult Manufacturer Guidelines: Always refer to implant and abutment manufacturer instructions for use and compatibility charts to avoid clinical complications.

Advantages of Using BioHorizons Healing Abutments

- Superior Tissue Attachment: Laser-Lok technology encourages connective tissue attachment, which helps maintain crestal bone and soft tissue health[4][16].

- Enhanced Esthetics: Anatomically shaped SmartShape healing abutments support natural gingival contouring and esthetic outcomes[5][9].

- Streamlined Digital Workflow: Scannable healing abutments simplify impression taking and final restoration design, reducing chair time and improving accuracy[3][11].

- Reduced Screw Loosening: Spiralock thread design minimizes screw loosening, enhancing prosthetic stability[2].

- Color-Coded Platforms: Easy identification and matching of components reduce errors during surgery and restoration[15].

How to Use BioHorizons Healing Abutments

Step-by-Step Placement Guide

1. Select the appropriate healing abutment size and emergence profile based on implant platform and tissue thickness.

2. Attach the healing abutment to the implant using the supplied abutment screw and tighten with a 0.5mm hex driver to the recommended torque (usually 10-15 Ncm)[14][15].

3. Verify seating radiographically to ensure proper engagement and fit[3][11].

4. Suture around the healing abutment if needed, using suture grooves present on some BioHorizons healing abutments for better tissue management[6].

5. Allow soft tissue to heal and shape around the abutment for 2-4 weeks before proceeding to the restorative phase.

6. Use the healing abutment as a reference for impression taking-either digitally by scanning the occlusal surface or traditionally with closed-tray impressions[5][11].

Potential Risks of Using Non-BioHorizons Healing Abutments

- Poor Fit and Micro-Movements: Non-matching connections can cause instability and micro-movements, leading to bone loss.

- Compromised Biologic Seal: Inadequate sealing may allow bacterial ingress, increasing infection risk.

- Screw Loosening or Failure: Differences in screw thread design can result in loosening or fracture.

- Warranty and Liability Issues: Using non-authentic components may void manufacturer warranties and complicate liability.

Summary Table: BioHorizons Healing Abutments vs. Other Implant Systems

Conclusion

Using a BioHorizons healing abutment with other implant systems is generally not recommended unless the implant connection and platform dimensions are precisely compatible. BioHorizons healing abutments are engineered with specific design features such as Laser-Lok surface technology, Spiralock thread design, and anatomically contoured profiles that optimize healing and prosthetic outcomes. While some third-party healing abutments may physically fit BioHorizons implants, using authentic BioHorizons components ensures a predictable fit, biologic seal, and long-term success.

Clinicians should carefully evaluate compatibility, follow manufacturer guidelines, and prioritize patient safety and treatment predictability. The integration of BioHorizons SmartShape healing abutments with digital workflows further enhances clinical efficiency and esthetic results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a BioHorizons healing abutment on a non-BioHorizons implant?

Generally, no. Compatibility depends on matching the implant's internal connection geometry and platform size. Using a BioHorizons healing abutment on a non-BioHorizons implant without verified compatibility may lead to poor fit and clinical complications[1][13].

2. What makes BioHorizons healing abutments different from others?

BioHorizons healing abutments feature Laser-Lok surface technology for superior tissue attachment, Spiralock thread design to minimize screw loosening, and SmartShape anatomical profiles that support digital workflows and esthetic healing[2][5][16].

3. Are there third-party healing abutments compatible with BioHorizons implants?

Yes, some manufacturers produce healing abutments compatible with BioHorizons internal hex implants, but clinicians should verify exact fit and quality before use to avoid complications[1][7][8].

4. How do SmartShape healing abutments improve the implant workflow?

SmartShape healing abutments have scannable occlusal surfaces and anatomical profiles that allow seamless digital impression taking and custom abutment design, reducing chair time and improving restorative accuracy[3][9][11].

5. What are the risks of using non-authentic healing abutments?

Risks include poor fit, screw loosening, compromised biologic seal, increased infection risk, and voided warranties. Authentic BioHorizons parts ensure precision fit and clinical reliability[2][15].

Citations:

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[2] https://www.biohorizonscamlog.com/en/portfolio/implant-systems/tapered-pro/prosthetics

[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob0jPt6BqIQ

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[5] https://www.biohorizons.com/Prosthetics/SmartShapeHealers

[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6zYB-IVo-I

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[8] https://oemdent.com/products/healing-cap-o5-5-biohorizons%C2%AE-internal-hex-compatible

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[10] https://usstore.biohorizons.com/healing-abutments

[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6TtH1StKxA

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[15] https://ebook.biohorizonscamlog.com/bhcl/en/tapered-pro-catalog-and-manual/

[16] https://www.biohorizons.com/Content/documents/eifu/L01024_Rev_C.pdf

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