How can excess residual cement be reduced in implant-supported restorations?: An in vitro study

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Excess cement is a common complication in implant-supported restorations, potentially leading to peri-implantitis.
• Current cementation techniques and material choices influence the amount of residual cement.
• Abutment design and replica techniques offer potential solutions for managing excess cement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of different cements and cementation techniques on residual cement.
• To assess the effectiveness of vent modifications and extraoral replica techniques in reducing overflowing cement.
• To determine the optimal combination of factors for minimizing excess cement in implant restorations.

Main Methods:

• Three abutment designs (fully closed, occlusal vented, occlusal + proximal vented) were tested.
• Extraoral replicas were fabricated using CAD/CAM technology.
• Three cement types (dual-cure resin, eugenol-free zinc oxide, polycarboxylate) were evaluated with and without replicas.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences in residual cement volume were observed based on cementation techniques and cement types (p < 0.05).
• Extraoral replicas significantly reduced residual cement compared to groups without replicas.
• Resin cements resulted in the highest amount of residual cement.

Conclusions:

• The use of extraoral replicas and specific vent designs on abutments effectively minimizes residual cement.
• The type of cement significantly influences the amount of excess cement, irrespective of the cementation technique.
• Both cement type and cementation technique must be considered to reduce residual cement in implant restorations.