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3i compatible external hex abutment selection guide

Biomet 3i External Hex Compatible Abutment Selection Guide

A step-by-step guide to selecting the correct Titan compatible abutment for T3, Osseotite, Full Osseotite, Nanotite, and classic Biomet 3i external hex implants. All share the same prosthetic connection — the seating surface diameter is the only variable that determines which components you need. Covers seating surface identification, abutment type selection, emergence profile, and collar height.

Watch the terminology trap: “Osseotite” refers to the implant’s surface, found on BOTH the 3i external hex and the 3i Certain internal connection. A “3i Osseotite” implant is external hex; an “Osseotite Certain” is internal — components are NOT interchangeable between the two connections. If your implant is a Certain internal hex, use the 3i Certain guide instead. Confirm your connection before ordering — this is the most common 3i ordering error.

STEP 1: IDENTIFY YOUR SEATING SURFACE

The 3i external hex system uses four seating surface diameters. The seating surface is determined by the implant body diameter — check the surgical record or implant packaging.

Seating Surface Implant Body Ø Implant Lines
3.4mm 3.25mm T3, Osseotite, Full Osseotite, Nanotite, Osseotite NT (Narrow Thread)
4.1mm 4.0mm, 4.0/3.0mm (platform-switched 4/3) T3, Osseotite, Full Osseotite, Nanotite
5.0mm 5.0mm, 5.0/4.0mm (platform-switched 5/4) T3, Osseotite, Full Osseotite, Nanotite
6.0mm 6.0mm, 6.0/5.0mm (platform-switched 6/5) T3, Osseotite, Full Osseotite

Platform-switched implants (4/3, 5/4, 6/5): The second number is the seating surface. A “5/4” implant has a 5.0mm body but a 4.0mm seating surface — use 4.1mm platform components, not 5.0mm.

Step 2: Choose Your Abutment Type

Titan manufactures multiple abutment types for the 3i external hex. Your choice depends on the restoration type and clinical situation:

  • Straight Locking Abutment (SLIAF): The most common choice for cement-retained single-unit crowns. External hex engages the implant for anti-rotation. Multiple collar heights and emergence profiles available.
  • Simple Step Abutment (Titan Design): A one-piece screw-retained abutment that can be prepared chairside or in the lab. Available for 4.1mm and 5.0mm platforms.
  • Post Abutment: Non-engaging abutment for multi-unit or splinted restorations where anti-rotation is provided by the framework rather than the individual abutment. (See the engaging vs. non-engaging guide.)
  • Castable / UCLA Plastic Sleeve: Burnout-compatible for custom cast frameworks. Available in hex (engaging) and non-hex (non-engaging) configurations.
  • Titanium Base: For CAD/CAM zirconia or hybrid restorations. Bonds to the custom superstructure.
  • Temporary Abutment: For provisional restorations during healing. Textured surface for acrylic retention.
  • Ball Head Abutment: For overdenture retention using O-ring housings.

Step 3: Select Emergence Profile & Collar Height

For straight locking abutments and similar restorative abutments:

  • Emergence profile diameter: Match to the cervical diameter of the tooth being replaced. Narrower for anteriors, wider for posteriors. The abutment should support the papillae without encroaching on them.
  • Collar height: Measure tissue depth from the implant platform to the gingival crest. Select a collar height that places the abutment shoulder at or just below the gingival margin. Too short = cement trap. Too tall = visible metal.

Full measurement method in our abutment sizing guide.

Titan offers more collar height increments and profile diameter options than the OEM catalog for the 3i external hex, allowing finer adjustment without custom fabrication.

Step 4: Engaging vs. Non-Engaging

The 3i external hex connection offers both engaging and non-engaging component options:

  • Engaging (hex): The component’s internal hex indexes onto the implant’s external hex, locking rotational position. Use for single-unit restorations where anti-rotation is critical.
  • Non-engaging (non-hex): The component does not index onto the hex, allowing rotational seating freedom. Use for multi-unit or splinted frameworks where divergent implant angles make simultaneous hex engagement impossible.

Rule of thumb: Single-unit = engaging. Multi-unit/splinted = non-engaging for the framework, engaging for the individual impression copings during the impression phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I identify the seating surface on a 3i external hex implant?

Seating surface is determined by implant body diameter: 3.25mm body = 3.4mm seating surface, 4.0mm = 4.1mm, 5.0mm = 5.0mm, 6.0mm = 6.0mm. For platform-switched implants (4/3, 5/4, 6/5), use the second number.

When do I use engaging vs. non-engaging components?

Engaging (hex) for single-unit restorations where anti-rotation is needed. Non-engaging for multi-unit or splinted frameworks where divergent implant angles prevent simultaneous hex engagement.

Is my “3i Osseotite” implant external hex or Certain?

“Osseotite” is a surface treatment used on both connections. A “3i Osseotite” implant is external hex; an “Osseotite Certain” is internal hex. Check the surgical record for “Certain” — if it doesn’t say Certain, it’s external hex.

Quick Reference

Decision Determined By Key Rule
Seating Surface Implant body diameter (from surgical record) 3.4, 4.1, 5.0, or 6.0mm. Platform-switched implants: use the second number.
Abutment Type Restoration design SLIAF for cement-retained single units. Simple Step for preparable screw-retained. Post for multi-unit. Ti-Base for CAD/CAM.
Profile & Collar Tooth being replaced & tissue depth Profile = cervical diameter of replaced tooth. Collar = tissue depth, shoulder at gingival margin.
Engaging vs Non Single-unit vs multi-unit restoration Single-unit = engaging. Splinted/multi-unit = non-engaging.

Browse all 3i external hex compatible components in our Biomet 3i External Hex category. Questions? Call 1-201-439-0470.

Have the OEM part number? Call 1-201-439-0470 — we’ll cross-reference it to the Titan equivalent before you order.

Disclaimer: Biomet 3i®, T3®, Osseotite®, Nanotite®, and ZimVie® are registered trademarks of ZimVie Inc. and/or its affiliates. Titan Implants, Inc. is an independent manufacturer of compatible prosthetic components. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Titan Implants is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by ZimVie Inc.

More selection guides: Engaging vs. Non-Engaging · Abutment Sizing · Implant Locator Pin · One Driver Advantage · 3i Certain Guide · All Resources