J Adv Prosthodont.  2017 Aug;9(4):271-277. 10.4047/jap.2017.9.4.271.

Comparison of fit accuracy and torque maintenance of zirconia and titanium abutments for internal tri-channel and external-hex implant connections

• Siadat H
• Beyabanaki E
• Mousavi N
• Alikhasi M

• KMID: 2398074
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2017.9.4.271

Abstract

PURPOSE
This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of implant connection design (external vs. internal) on the fit discrepancy and torque loss of zirconia and titanium abutments.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Two regular platform dental implants, one with external connection (Brånemark, Nobel Biocare AB) and the other with internal connection (Noble Replace, Nobel Biocare AB), were selected. Seven titanium and seven customized zirconia abutments were used for each connection design. Measurements of geometry, marginal discrepancy, and rotational freedom were done using video measuring machine. To measure the torque loss, each abutment was torqued to 35 Ncm and then opened by means of a digital torque wrench. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and t-test at α=0.05 of significance.
RESULTS
There were significant differences in the geometrical measurements and rotational freedom between abutments of two connection groups (P<.001). Also, the results showed significant differences between titanium abutments of internal and external connection implants in terms of rotational freedom (P<.001). Not only customized internal abutments but also customized external abutments did not have the exact geometry of prefabricated abutments (P<.001). However, neither connection type (P=.15) nor abutment material (P=.38) affected torque loss.
CONCLUSION
Abutments with internal connection showed less rotational freedom. However, better marginal fit was observed in externally connected abutments. Also, customized abutments with either connection could not duplicate the exact geometry of their corresponding prefabricated abutment. However, neither abutment connection nor material affected torque loss values.

Keyword

Dental implant; Dental implant-abutment design; Rotational freedom; Torque; Abutment

MeSH Terms

Dental Implant-Abutment Design
Dental Implants
Freedom
In Vitro Techniques
Titanium*
Torque*
Dental Implants
Titanium

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Schematic depiction of geometrical (L1 - L6) and concentricity (C) measurements of both internal (left) and external (right) connection configurations.

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