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Accuracy combining different brands of implants and abutments
María-Fernanda Solá-Ruíz1, Eduardo Selva-Otaolaurruchi, Gisela Senent-Vicente
1Department of Buccofacial Prosthetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València, Spain. m.fernanda.sola@uv.es
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal
|December 12, 2012
Summary
This study found that vertical misfit between dental implants and abutments is clinically acceptable, with mechanical torque improving fit. Different implant and abutment brands can be combined successfully.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Implantology
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Accurate fit between dental implants and prosthetic abutments is crucial for long-term restoration success.
- Microgaps can lead to bacterial leakage and mechanical complications.
- Evaluating brand compatibility and the effect of torque is essential for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the vertical misfit between various dental implant and abutment brands.
- To assess the impact of mechanical torque on implant-abutment vertical misfit.
- To investigate the compatibility of mixed-brand implant-abutment combinations.
Main Methods:
- Five dental implant brands (Biofit, Bioner S.A., 3i Biomet, BTI, Nobel Biocare) and their respective abutments were tested.
- Vertical misfit was measured at four points using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) at 5000X magnification.
- Measurements were taken with and without the application of mechanical torque.
Main Results:
- Vertical misfit ranged from 1.6 to 5.4 microns without torque and 0.9 to 5.9 microns with torque.
- Manual assembly showed the best fit with 3i implant and BTI abutment.
- Applying mechanical torque improved fit, with specific brand combinations (Nobel-Nobel, 3i-3i, BTI-BTI, 3i-BTI, 3i-Nobel) yielding optimal results.
Conclusions:
- The observed vertical fits are within clinically acceptable ranges.
- Mechanical torque application significantly enhances the precision of the implant-abutment connection.
- Inter-brand compatibility exists, making mixed-brand combinations a viable clinical option.
