[Application of spark erosion technology in manufacture of implant prosthesis]

To evaluate the influence of the implant-supported porcelain bridges made from non-precious metals using spark erosion techniques, and to discuss the feasibility and details of making the implant restoration by spark erosion technique.

The study included 12 patients (9 males and 3 females) with 92 units implant-supported non-precious porcelain bridge from Sep. 2011 to Feb. 2013. All the patients received implant treatment in Department of Oral Implantology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. The total of 52 implants, were from Nobel Biocare implant system, Camlog implant system and Ankylos implant system. The implant analogs were connected in sequence with a copper wire to guarantee conductivity. The implant electrodes represented one electrode and the superstructure the other. During spark-erosion machining, the cast holding the implant electrodes and the prosthetic framework were moved toward one another, causing an electrical erosion of the protruding elements.

After the spark-erosion machining, the minimum gap between the framework and abutment was 0.21 mm, which was two units bridge. The maximum was 2.59 mm, which was 11 units bridge with 6 implants. The average gap was 0.68 mm. After the spark-erosion machining, the bridge fitted well with the passive position stability.

The method of making implant-supported non-precious porcelain bridge reduces costs on patients. Spark erosion has the potential to provide implant framework with an excellent fit. The patients are satisfied with the clinical results.