Dynamic loading leakage test of dental abutment/implant connections based upon a novel implant system with an abutment switch feature: an in vitro study.

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of the implant-abutment interface in a specific implant system in comparison to other implant systems under conditions of increasing dynamic loading.

Methods: Three different implants and four abutment types were tested: one implant with a conical abutment connection, one implant with a flat abutment connection, and one implant with an abutment switch feature and two different abutment connections. The tests consisted of a phase of cyclic loading followed by a leakage test. The maximum loading force was increased, and the procedure was repeated, until either the implant-abutment connection failed, or a leakage was detected. Loading criteria were modified based on the ISO standard 14801:2016.

Results: The conical implant abutment connections exhibited fracture prior to leakage at varying failure forces and loading cycles, whereas the platform abutment type showed leakage or fracture at a relatively low force. The two different abutment types used on the same implant system showed extremely different results.

Conclusions: Literature shows similar high chewing forces mostly only for healthy subjects. For patients with dental implants, leakage is still preferable to fracture. In conclusion, the test showed that some implants with a conical abutment are more resistant to leakage and may be preferable if higher chewing forces are expected.