Analysis of Implant Strength After Implantoplasty in Three Implant-Abutment Connection Designs: An In Vitro Study.

Abstract

The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the resistance to static fatigue of implants with different connections before and after implantoplasty. Sixty conical implants and 60 abutments were used; 4-mm-diameter versions were available for each model. Three groups (n = 20) were established based on the following implant connections: external hexagon (group 1), internal hexagon (group 2), and Morse taper (group 3). The implants of each group were submitted to a compressive load before (n = 10) and after the implantoplasty (n = 10). The wear was performed in a mechanical lathe machine using a carbide bur, and the final dimensions of each sample were measured. All groups were subjected to quasi-static loading at a 30-degree angle to the implant axis in a universal testing machine and 5 mm out of the implant support. After the implantoplasty, the mean final diameter was 3.13 ± 0.033 mm for group 1, 3.23 ± 0.023 mm for group 2, and 3.25 ± 0.03 mm for group 3. The mean fracture strengths for the groups before and after the implantoplasty were, respectively, 773.1 ± 13.16 N and 487.1 ± 93.72 N in group 1; 829.4 ± 14.12 N and 495.7 ± 85.24 N in group 2; and 898.1 ± 19.25 N and 717.6 ± 77.25 N in group 3. Resistance to loading decreased significantly after implantoplasty, and varied among the three implant connection designs.