Evaluation of master cast techniques for multiple abutment implant prostheses

Area of Science:

• Dental prosthodontics
• Biomaterials science

Background:

• Fabricating accurate master casts is crucial for successful implant prosthesis fabrication.
• Current techniques for master cast fabrication vary in their precision and clinical applicability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the accuracy of three master cast fabrication techniques for implant prostheses: solid casts, Pindex system, and Zeiser system.
• To evaluate the passive fit of implant prostheses on casts produced by each technique.

Main Methods:

• Three groups of 15 master casts were fabricated using Impregum and Die Keen, employing solid casting, Pindex, or Zeiser system methods.
• A metal model with six implants and abutments was used for impression taking.
• Casts were evaluated for passive template fit (visual) and abutment positional accuracy (optical comparator).

Main Results:

• Only the Zeiser system casts demonstrated a passive fit of the template.
• The Zeiser system yielded significantly higher abutment positional accuracy compared to solid casts.
• Solid casts were more accurate than those fabricated with the Pindex system.

Conclusions:

• The Zeiser system is the most accurate technique for fabricating master casts for implant prostheses.
• Accurate master cast fabrication is essential for achieving passive fit and optimal outcomes in implant dentistry.
• The Pindex system demonstrated the lowest accuracy among the evaluated techniques.