Friedemann Stang is supervisor of global customer support at exocad. One thing worth noting are the exocad Implant Module improvements, which make transitioning to the updated DentalCAD easier. His tip for an easy transition to the improved DentalCAD Implant Module:
The best way to learn a new software design is by applying it to real lab cases with actual challenges. If a lab day is a bit quieter, I recommend selecting a real, completed case and running it through the new workflow steps.
Implant Module: Enhanced workflow for individual abutments
exocad, an Align Technology, Inc. company, has enhanced its Implant Module with the DentalCAD 3.3 Chemnitz release. Users can now design individual abutments more efficiently and easily Friedemann Stang, supervisor of global customer support at exocad, shares which workflow steps have been updated and offers helpful tips for using the software.
Many laboratories that use exocad DentalCAD rely on the Implant Module to design individual abutments, screw-retained crowns, and bridges. That’s why it’s one of the most widely used DentalCAD modules. In the new Chemnitz release, two key workflow steps in the Implant Module have been enhanced, so that dental technicians can reach the desired abutment shape faster and more efficiently. The core workflow remains the same, so users familiar with the module will feel right at home. What’s new? The steps “Detect Implant Position” and “Abutment Design” have been updated.
Implant and prosthetic components workflow: What’s new
With the DentalCAD 3.3 Chemnitz release, selecting the right components is now simpler, faster, and more flexible. For example, when designing individual abutments for multiple implants in one jaw, users can now select and position all implants in a single step (Fig. 1). The benefit: significant time savings compared to the previous workflow, where each implant needed to be handled individually.
To help users find the appropriate components for an implant system more quickly and efficiently, exocad has enhanced the selection function to include search and filter options.
When you click on your chosen implant in the implant component selection, you automatically see the components available for that implant system (Fig. 2). To speed up the search for the right components, users now have three options: the new search function, advanced filter functions, and setting favorites.
- Search: The new search field allows users to quickly locate the component they need for their individual abutment design. Search options include, for example, implant and component manufacturer, product name, or component article number (Fig. 3).
- Filters: Users can also narrow the component search using filters. For example, they can filter by indication (Fig. 4), such as an angulated screw channel.
- Favorites: Frequently used components can be marked with stars. Favorites are then displayed first (Fig. 5).
Abutment design: What’s new
The workflow for designing the supragingival area of an individual abutment has been significantly improved. It’s worth noting that users can still revert to the previous design version of the software at the start of the workflow when selecting an abutment style (Fig. 6). This allows users who want to rely on familiar tools during a busy lab day to continue without needing to switch immediately.
Selecting abutment style: Users can first choose the abutment style—cylindrical, angular, and standard—from various templates. What’s new is that the software now automatically suggests an initial design based on tooth position—molar, premolar, or anterior tooth (Fig. 7). This suggestion can be further customized and saved as a personal abutment style.
Creating custom abutment styles: An abutment style customized for a specific situation can be saved with its own name. This allows each user to store their own abutment styles in the software. For me, this option is a highlight of the Chemnitz release and my top tip for all Implant Module users.
control points: If a user moves a control point too far—for instance, beyond the emergence profile or toward the center—the software immediately provides a precise information making the reason for the limitation clear right away.
New fissure line: I am a fan of the new fissure line, which reflects the fissure of the crown (Fig. 8/Video 1). This thin yellow line is especially interesting for the individual abutment design of molars. The fissure line can be moved freely to follow the tooth shape. The tooth shape can be displayed for better orientation. Users can decide how closely the abutment should follow the tooth shape, allowing technicians faster and more accurate designs.
Moving control points: It is now possible to rotate the entire abutment shape if all control points are selected simultaneously (Video 2). This can be useful for special indications. For example, if the software has already generated a nice preliminary design, but it does not fit right away due to a rotated tooth position, the abutment can be rotated accordingly.
Tip for experts: The “Advanced” tab reveals all supra- and subgingival control points, allowing users to adjust several areas at once (Fig. 9). I consider this a highlight for Implant Module experts.
Conclusion The improved DentalCAD Implant Module helps dental technicians achieve the desired abutment.
shape faster, better, and more easily. Many users will quickly adapt to the new design steps and integrate them into their routine. Those who need more time can continue using the previous workflow for the time being,.
Tip Box: The 5th edition of exocad Insights event will take place in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, on April 30 and May 1, 2026. There will be an opportunity to experience the DentalCAD 3.3 Chemnitz release with the improved Implant Module live. The exocad software experts will be on site and look forward to answering users’ questions.
Fig. 1
In the new prosthetic component selection
dialog, all implant positions can be set in a
single step.
Fig. 2
Each library’s available sub-selection can
be clearly displayed; a small preview model
shows the implant connection.
Fig. 3
In addition to manufacturer and library
names, other information such as article
numbers can also be searched
for using the search function.
Fig. 4
A sophisticated filter system allows you to
easily narrow the selection of libraries.
Fig 5.
The popular Favorites feature is of course still available for
quick access to your most frequently used libraries.
Fig. 6
When selecting the abutment style, you can
switch between different shapes and also
access familiar tools to maintain your usual
working method
Fig. 7
Based on tooth position, the basic abutment shape is easily
adjusted by the number of control points. Of course, the user is free to change these individually
Fig. 8
The yellow line marks the fissure and
can be effortlessly adjusted in height.
Fig. 9
In the “Advanced” tab, all control points for supra and
subgingival areas are visible simultaneously