Effect of Inter-Implant Distance on Fracture Resistance of Implant-Supported Provisional Fixed Dental Prosthesis

This study aimed to identify the ideal interimplant distance for optimum outcome on immediately loaded implant supported prosthesis. Hence this study was taken up to analyze the effect of varying interimplant distance on fracture resistance of implant supported provisional fixed dental prosthesis (FDP). A total of 24 bis-acrylate composite resin samples were prepared. Interimplant distance was present in the metal die for placement of dummy implants at distances of 14 mm, 21 mm, and 30 mm respectively. Wax-up for 3-unit, 4-unit, and 5-unit implant-supported provisional restoration was made. Silicone molds were used for making multiple interim prostheses using bis-acrylate composite material. All samples were subjected to fracture test in the universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. All samples were loaded with gradual force starting from 100 N until it fractured. The load was applied at the center of prosthesis. Data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test. Mean fracture resistance of 3-unit provisional FDP at 14 mm of interimplant distance showed 1342.61 ± 179.15 N. Mean fracture resistance of 4-unit provisional FDP at 21 mm of interimplant distance showed 1420.44 ± 170.37 N. Mean fracture resistance of 5-unit provisional FDP at 30 mm of interimplant distance showed 791.61 ± 203.59 N. Both 14 mm and 21 mm of interimplant distance are suitable span lengths to be considered for the optimum outcome during immediately loading with implant-supported provisional restorations. Limitations of the study were that force application was static in nature and not dynamic and the arch form was not "U" shaped but longitudinal using Bis-Acryl material only with no cantilever. Future studies can be done to evaluate the fracture resistance of bis-acrylate material considering biomechanics and arch form of natural dentition. Distal cantilever should be considered along with different material for fabricating provisional restoration.