Which implant method is better, the "tap in" or the "screw in"? Are the different way to install abutment for each method?

Question

My implant doctor did three "tap in" implants for me in the past 8 years.  I felt very happy for each result.  I need another implant done last month.  My general dentist wrote a latter to instruct my implant doctor to switch from "tap in" to "screw in" without discussing with me.  Now he insists to do the abutment for me later, he thinks he can do better abutment for "screw in" implant.  He thinks my implant doctor can not.  I'm confused.  Please advise.  Thanks.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

The tap in implants generally are more difficult in the long haul.  Much of the frustration is with the labs in trying to give a decent restoration, while the dentist role is simplified.  While the tap in type May function well, but often are an esthetic compromise.The screw type with internal hex connection are the most widely used and more stable initially while more esthetic with more restorative options.

Fadi Yassmin, BDS, MSc · Answer

The majority of implants these days are screw in type implants and
they come with various aesthetics and highly customized abutments. The "tap in" is an
older type of implant and there are not many manufactures, the one that
comes to mind is Endopore which did come with a lot of issues. Particularly
failure due to the spherical beads or the coating that it had. All the data and studies done show that
screw in type implants, if placed correctly, have a much higher longevity, are easily placed and more aesthetic. For my personal choice, I use the
screw in type implant.

Richard Champagne, DMD, MAGD · Answer

There are many implants systems available and the majority are threaded (the screw in type). The threaded type has more surface area which means that it creates a better attachment to your jawbone once it's fully healed. Typically the brand of implant chosen comes down to the surgeons personal preferences, but they are all very similar. In addition, nearly all implant systems will offer a variety of abutment options

H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD · Answer

Currently, almost every dental implant is a screw type design. It is considered to be better as it provided better primary stability in the bone as well as higher surface area for bone integration. There are two implants companies that are considered 'tap-in': Bicon and Endopore. I personally do not recommend Bicon as it has many limitations in how it can be restored and I have observed many failures.The type of implant that currently offers the best healing, stability, and restorability are those that are screw type and with internal hex configuration. The decision on which implant company, should be made by the oral surgeon and the restorative dentist working in collaboration as both surgical and prosthetic factors need to be considered.Dr. Kazemi

Which implant method is better, the "tap in" or the "screw in"? Are the different way to install abutment for each method?

Answers (4)