Microunit Abutments Research Articles

Influence of transmucosal height in abutments of single and multiple implant-supported prostheses: a non-linear three-dimensional finite element analysis

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of three different transmucosal heights of the abutments in single and multiple implant-supported prostheses through the finite element method. External hexagon implants, MicroUnit, and EsthetiCone abutments were scanned and placed in an edentulous maxillary model obtained from a tomography database. The simulations were divided into two groups: (1) one implant with 3.75 × 10 mm placed in the upper central incisor, simulating a single implant-supported fixed prosthesis with an EsthetiCone abutment; and (2) two implants with 3.75 × 10 mm placed in the upper lateral incisors with MicroUnit abutments, simulating a multiple implant-supported prosthesis. Subsequently, each group was subdivided into three models according to the transmucosal height (1, 2, and 3 mm). A static oblique load at an angle of 45 degrees to the long axis of the implant in palatal-buccal direction of 150 and 75 N was applied for multiple and single implant-supported prosthesis, respectively. The implants and abutments were assessed according to the equivalent Von Mises stress analyses while the bone and ceramics were analyzed through maximum and minimum principal stresses. The total deformation values increased in all models, while the transmucosal height was augmented. The transmucosal height of the abutments influences the stress values at the bone, ceramics, implants, and abutments of both the single and multiple implant-supported prostheses, with the transmucosal height of 1 mm showing the lowest stress values.

Effect of Different Abutments and Connections in Deformation Crestal Bone.

The use of Morse taper connections is increasing, but little is known about the biomechanical use of abutments and their use in fixed prostheses. This study evaluated the transmission of load on the bone implant-supported dentures, varying the type of prosthetic connection and abutment. Using 4 polyurethane models, 3 implants were inserted into each block, establishing the following groups: (a) external hexagon and Micro-Unit abutments; (b) external hexagon and UCLA abutment; (c) Morse taper and Micro-Unit abutments; and (d) Morse taper and UCLA abutments. The prosthetic structures were cast, and in a universal testing machine, load was applied midway between the implants, with cantilever intervals of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney, Friedman, and Kruskal-Wallis tests (P < 0.05). Regarding the prosthetic connection, there was no difference in the use of hexagonal or Morse taper, but the use of Micro-Unit abutment showed lower deformation values than UCLA for the 2 connections. The use of intermediate abutments affects the distribution of masticatory loads: the greater the length of the cantilever, the greater the surface deformation of the bone around the distal implant.

Microstrain Around Dental Implants Supporting Fixed Partial Prostheses Under Axial and Non–Axial Loading Conditions, In Vitro Strain Gauge Analysis

The current study used strain gauge analysis to perform an in vitro evaluation of the effect of axial and non-axial loading on implant-supported fixed partial prostheses, varying the implant placement configurations and the loading points. Three internal hexagon implants were embedded in the center of each polyurethane block with in-line and offset placements. Microunit abutments were connected to the implants using a torque of 20 N · cm, and plastic prosthetic cylinders were screwed onto the abutments, which received standard patterns cast in Co-Cr alloy (n = 10). Four strain gauges (SGs) were bonded onto the surfaces of the blocks, tangentially to the implants: SG 01 mesially to implant 1, SG 02 and SG 03 mesially and distally to implant 2, respectively, and SG 04 distally to implant 3. Each metallic structure was screwed onto the abutments using a 10-N·cm torque, and axial and non-axial loads of 30 kg were applied at 5 predetermined points. The data obtained from the strain gauge analyses were analyzed statistically through the repeated measures analysis of variance and the Tukey test, with a conventional level of significance of P < 0.05. The results showed a statistically significant difference for the loading point (P = 0.0001), with point E (nonaxial) generating the highest microstrain (327.67 μ[Latin Small Letter Open E]) and point A (axial) generating the smallest microstrain (208.93 μ[Latin Small Letter Open E]). No statistically significant difference was found for implant placement configuration (P = 0.856). It was concluded that the offset implant placement did not reduce the magnitude of microstrain around the implants under axial and non-axial loading conditions, although loading location did influence this magnitude.

Axial Loads on Implant-Supported Partial Fixed Prostheses for External and Internal Hex Connections and Machined and Plastic Copings: Strain Gauge Analysis

The aim of this in vitro study was to use strain gauge (SG) analysis to compare the effects of the implant-abutment joint, the coping, and the location of load on strain distribution in the bone around implants supporting 3-unit fixed partial prostheses. Three external hexagon (EH) implants and 3 internal hexagon (IH) implants were inserted into 2 polyurethane blocks. Microunit abutments were screwed onto their respective implant groups. Machined cobalt-chromium copings and plastic copings were screwed onto the abutments, which received standard wax patterns. The wax patterns were cast in a cobalt-chromium alloy (n = 5): group 1 = EH/machined. group 2 = EH/plastic, group 3 = IH/machined, and group 4 = IH/plastic. Four SGs were bonded onto the surface of the block tangentially to the implants. Each metallic structure was screwed onto the abutments and an axial load of 30 kg was applied at 5 predetermined points. The magnitude of microstrain on each SG was recorded in units of microstrain (με). The data were analyzed using 3-factor repeated measures analysis of variance and a Tukey test (α = 0.05). The results showed statistically significant differences for the type of implant-abutment joint, loading point, and interaction at the implant-abutment joint/loading point. The IH connection showed higher microstrain values than the EH connection. It was concluded that the type of coping did not interfere in the magnitude of microstrain, but the implant/abutment joint and axial loading location influenced this magnitude.

Straight and Offset Implant Placement under Axial and Nonaxial Loads in Implant‐Supported Prostheses: Strain Gauge Analysis

The aim of this in vitro study was to quantify strain development during axial and nonaxial loading using strain gauge analysis for three-element implant-supported FPDs, varying the arrangement of implants: straight line (L) and offset (O). Three Morse taper implants arranged in a straight line and three implants arranged in an offset configuration were inserted into two polyurethane blocks. Microunit abutments were screwed onto the implants, applying a 20 Ncm torque. Plastic copings were screwed onto the abutments, which received standard wax patterns cast in Co-Cr alloy (n = 10). Four strain gauges were bonded onto the surface of each block tangential to the implants. The occlusal screws of the superstructure were tightened onto microunit abutments using 10 Ncm and then axial and nonaxial loading of 30 Kg was applied for 10 seconds on the center of each implant and at 1 and 2 mm from the implants, totaling nine load application points. The microdeformations determined at the nine points were recorded by four strain gauges, and the same procedure was performed for all of the frameworks. Three loadings were made per load application point. The magnitude of microstrain on each strain gauge was recorded in units of microstrain (με). The data were analyzed statistically by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). The configuration factor was statistically significant (p= 0.0004), but the load factor (p= 0.2420) and the interaction between the two factors were not significant (p= 0.5494). Tukey's test revealed differences between axial offset (με) (183.2 ± 93.64) and axial straight line (285.3 ± 61.04) and differences between nonaxial 1 mm offset (201.0 ± 50.24) and nonaxial 1 mm straight line (315.8 ± 59.28). There was evidence that offset placement is capable of reducing the strain around an implant. In addition, the type of loading, axial force or nonaxial, did not have an influence until 2 mm.

Effect of axial loads on implant-supported partial fixed prostheses by strain gauge analysis

ObjectivesThe present study used strain gauge analysis to perform an in vitro evaluation of the effect of axial loading on 3 elements of implant-supported partial fixed prostheses, varying the type of prosthetic cylinder and the loading points. Material and methodsThree internal hexagon implants were linearly embedded in a polyurethane block. Microunit abutments were connected to the implants applying a torque of 20 Ncm, and prefabricated Co-Cr cylinders and plastic prosthetic cylinders were screwed onto the abutments, which received standard patterns cast in Co-Cr alloy (n=5). Four strain gauges (SG) were bonded onto the surface of the block tangentially to the implants, SG 01 mesially to implant 1, SG 02 and SG 03 mesially and distally to implant 2, respectively, and SG 04 distally to implant 3. Each metallic structure was screwed onto the abutments with a 10 Ncm torque and an axial load of 30 kg was applied at five predetermined points (A, B, C, D, E). The data obtained from the strain gauge analyses were analyzed statistically by RM ANOVA and Tukey's test, with a level of significance of p<0.05. ResultsThere was a significant difference for the loading point (p=0.0001), with point B generating the smallest microdeformation (239.49 με) and point D the highest (442.77 με). No significant difference was found for the cylinder type (p=0.748). ConclusionsIt was concluded that the type of cylinder did not affect in the magnitude of microdeformation, but the axial loading location influenced this magnitude.

Photoelastic Analysis of the Distribution of Stress in Different Systems of Overdentures on Osseous-Integrated Implants

The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of generated stress around implants and adjacent bone tissue using different implant-retained overdenture designs through photoelastic analysis. Over an edentulous human mandible, achieved from a human model, 2 or 4 microunit analog abutments were embedded (Master; Conexao Systems Prosthodontics, São Paulo, Brazil), settled in the interforaminal region. Three models of photoelastic resin (Araltec Chemicals Ltda, Hunstman, Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil), with 2 or 4 incorporated implants and microunit abutments, were obtained from molds using silicone for duplication. Inclusion, finishing, and polishing procedures were applied on the frameworks. This study was based on 3 different mechanisms of implant-retained mandibular overdentures: O'ring (GI), bar-clip (GII) (both with 2 implants), and their association (GIII) (with 4 implants). After the adaptation of each overdenture system on the photoelastic models, 100-N alternate occlusal loads were applied on back-side and front-side regions. The photoelastic analysis was made with the aid of a plain polariscope linked to a digital camera, Sony Cybershot α100, which allowed visualization of the fringes and registration of images on digital photographs. The results demonstrated higher tension concentrated over the GIII, with a flat distribution of stress to the posterior ridge and overload on the posterior implants. GI showed the smaller stress level, and GII, intermediate level; there was distribution of stress to the posterior ridge in these 2 groups. The use of bar attachment proved to be a better alternative, because it showed a moderate level of tension with a more uniform stress distribution and possessed higher retention than did the ball system.

Comparative Strain Gauge Analysis of External and Internal Hexagon, Morse Taper, and Influence of Straight and Offset Implant Configuration

The present study was designed to analyze strain distributions caused by varying the fixture-abutment design and fixture alignment. Three implants of external, internal hexagon, and Morse taper were embedded in the center of each polyurethane block in straight placement and offset placement. Four strain gauges (SGs) were bonded on the surface of polyurethane block, which was designated SG1 placed mesially adjacent to implant A, SG2 and SG3 were placed mesially and distally adjacent to the implant B and SG4 was placed distally adjacent to the implant C. The 30 superstructures' occlusal screws were tightened onto the Microunit abutments with a torque of 10 N cm using the manufacturers' manual torque-controlling device. There were statistically significant differences in prosthetic connection (P value = 0.0074 < 0.5). There were no statistically significant differences in placement configuration/alignment (P value = 0.7812 > 0.5). The results showed fundamental differences in both conditions. There was no evidence that there was any advantage to offset implant placement in reducing the strain around implants. The results also revealed that the internal hexagon and Morse taper joints did not reduce the microstrain around implants.

A comparative study of microstrain around three-morse taper implants with machined and plastic copings under axial loading

Aim: To evaluate the occurrence of microstrain around morse taper implants in straight configuration under axial load in a cast monoblock framework. Methods: Three implants were inserted in a polyurethane block and microunit abutments were installed on the implants with 20 Ncm torque. Plastic and machined copings were adapted on the preset waxing to fabricate the framework (n=5). Four strain gauges were attached on the upper surface of the block and then each framework was tightened on the abutments and a vertical load of 30 kg was applied to five points of the framework. Results: The data obtained in the strain gauge analysis were subjected to twoway ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=0.05). There was statistically significant difference (p=0.0222) for the factor application point and the mean microstrain values were: application point B 402,04µe, point A 401.21µe, point E 390.44µe , point D 341.76µe and point C 309.19 µe. Conclusions: There was no microstrain difference between plastic and machined copings during axial loading. Difference in the application point was observed, but remained within bone physiological limits.

Machined and plastic copings in three-element prostheses with different types of implantabutment joints: a strain gauge comparative analysis

ObjectiveUsing strain gauge (SG) analysis, the aim of this in vitro study was quantify the strain development during the fixation of three-unit screw implant-supported fixed partial dentures, varying the types of implant-abutment joints and the type of prosthetic coping. The hypotheses were that the type of hexagonal connection would generate different microstrains and the type of copings would produce similar microstrains after prosthetic screws had been tightened onto microunit abutments.Materials and methodsThree dental implants with external (EH) and internal (IH) hexagonal configurations were inserted into two polyurethane blocks. Microunit abutments were screwed onto their respective implant groups, applying a torque of 20 Ncm. Machined Co-Cr copings (M) and plastic prosthetic copings (P) were screwed onto the abutments, which received standard wax patterns. The wax patterns were cast in Co-Cr alloy (n=5), forming four groups: G1) EH/M; G2) EH/P; G3) IH/M and G4) IH/P. Four SGs were bonded onto the surface of the block tangentially to the implants, SG 1 mesially to implant 1, SG 2 and SG 3 mesially and distally to implant 2, respectively, and SG 4 distally to implant 3. The superstructure’s occlusal screws were tightened onto microunit abutments with 10 Ncm torque using a manual torque driver. The magnitude of microstrain on each SG was recorded in units of microstrain (µε). The data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p<0.05).ResultsMicrostrain values of each group were: G1= 338.1±223.0 µε; G2= 363.9±190.9 µε; G3= 415.1±53.5 µε; G4= 363.9±190.9 µε. No statistically significant difference was found between EH and IH, regardless of the type of copings (p>0.05). The hypotheses were partially accepted.ConclusionsIt was concluded that the type of hexagonal connection and coping presented similar mechanical behavior under tightening conditions.

External Hexagon and Internal Hexagon in Straight and Offset Implant Placement: Strain Gauge Analysis

: The objective of this in vitro study was to quantify the strain development of external hexagon and internal hexagon implant-supported partial prostheses in straight and offset implant placement configurations. : Three external hexagon and 3 internal hexagon implants were embedded in the center of each polyurethane block. Four strain gauges were bonded on the surface of polyurethane. The 20 superstructure occlusal screws were tightened onto the Microunit abutments with a torque of 10 Ncm using the manufacturer's manual of torque-controlling device. : There were statistic significant differences in hexagonal type (P = 0.0210 < 0.05). There were nostatistic significant differences in placement configuration (P = 0.7483 > 0.05). The results showed fundamental differences between both conditions. : Under the limited conditions of this study, the hexagon internal connection displayed higher values of microstrain than the hexagon external type implant placement. There was no evidence that there was an advantage of offset placement in reducing the strain around implant. There was no proof from this investigation that the straight placement generated higher microstrain than offset placement.

Precisão de Duas Técnicas de Esplintagem com Resina Acrílica de Transferentes para Próteses sobre Implantes

Two acrylic resin splinted techniques used for direct implant impression were assessed for accuracy in a laboratory model that simulated clinical practice. Two implants were embedded in the center of a polyurethane block. Microunit abutments were placed on the implants. Sixteen samples were fabricated on this model, using two square transfer copings rigidly connected to each other with autopolymerizing acrylic resin. Half the samples formed group 1 (n=8). For group 02 (n=8) the other half were stored at ambient conditions for 24 hours; then, the acrylic resin splint was sectioned in this group, and the segments were reconnected. Strain measurements were performed by four strain gauges (Excel Sensores Ltda.) placed on the superior surface of the polyurethane block. For group 1, measurements were made after the polymerization of the acrylic resin splint; for group 2 after the segments were reconnected. Student’s t-test for independent samples, with statistical significance at 5%, was applied to analyze the data. Significant difference (p