Effect of different crown removing procedures on the implant stability quotient and removal torque values of dental implants

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of different crown-removal methods on the osseointegration of dental implants in implant-retained single crowns. Methods: Two implants were inserted in each tibia of each New Zealand rabbit’s rear legs. After 28 days, resonance frequency analysis was performed on the implants to detect the degree of osseointegration; 24 hours later, the sacrificed tibias were divided into 3 groups according to different crown-removal methods: crown removal with a diamond bur, the use of a spring-loaded crown remover, and the use of a pneumatic crown remover. Following the crown-removal procedures, the implants’ resonance frequency analysis values and removal torque values were measured. Results: No significant difference in implant stability quotient was measured after crown removal for either group of diamond bur or group of pneumatic crown remover (p=0.677 and p=0.918, respectively). However, there was a statistically significant difference in implant stability quotient after crown removal for group of spring-loaded crown remover (p=0.008). Moreover, no significant difference was detected between the groups’ removal torque values (p>0.05). Conclusion: The crown-removal procedure has significantly unfavorable effect on the implant stability quotient values of the implants, whereas removal torque values of the implants was not affected crown-removal procedures.