Influence of filling materials on the fracture resistance of resin composite used for sealing screw access hole

Abstract Introduction Screw-retained restorations have a screw access hole (SAH) sealed with resin composite aiming at safe-guarding the aesthetic features of the ceramic veneer. The loss or wear of the resin composite applied in sealing the SAH is among the most common complications in implant prosthodontics, as the fracture of ceramic veneer. Objective Evaluate the influence of sealant materials on the fracture resistance of resin composite applied in sealing screw access hole in screwed (SAH) implants. Material and method The samples were produced from UCLA abutments in metallic NiCr alloy with subsequent application of ceramic. After asperisation and conditioning ceramic surface, was applied silane and dentin adhesive, before sealing the conduits with resin composites Z100 and P60. Nine groups (n=10) were evaluated: sealing with Z-100 (ZNC) and P-60 (PNC) without obturation of SAH; sealing with Z100 (ZCP) and P-60 (PCP) with absorbent cotton; Z100 (ZPT) and P60 (PPT) with polytetrafluoroethylene; Z100 (ZGP) and P60 (PGP) with gutta-percha and a cemented ceramic crown (ICS). After the fracture resistance test, the data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (p<.05). Result The fracture mode was evaluated by scanning electron microscope. Irrespective of the filling material, the highest mean values of fracture resistance were observed in the sealing with P60 (p=.002). When combined with resins composed of a sealing material, the results obtained were: ZGP: 805.5N/ PGP: 929.5N