Comparative accuracy of the splinted and unsplinted impression methods for internal connection

Choi, Jung Han; Kim, Chang Whe; Jang, Kyung Soo; Lim, Young Jun

Abstract

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Accurate impression is essential to success of implant prostheses. But there have been few studies about the accuracy of fixture-level impression techniques in internal connection implant systems. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of two fixture-level impression techniques in two conditions (parallel and divergent) and to assess the effect of tightening sequences and forces on stresses generated on superstructures in internal connection implant system (Astra Tech). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two metal master frameworks made from two abutments (Cast-to Abutment ST) each and a corresponding, passively fitting, dental stone master cast with four fixture replicas (Fixture Replica ST) were fabricated. Ten dental stone casts for each impression techniques (direct unsplinted and splinted technique) were made with vinyl polysiloxane impressions from the master cast. Strain gauges for each framework were fixed midway between abutments to measure the degree of framework deformation on each stone cast. Pairs of strain gauges placed opposite each other constituted one channel (half Wheatstone bridge) to read deformation in four directions (superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior). Deformation data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey test at the .01 level of significance. And the effect of tightening sequences (right-to-left and left-to-right) and forces (10 Ncm and 20 Ncm) were assessed with ten stone casts made from parallel condition by the splinted technique. Deformation data were analyzed using paired t-test at the .01 level of significance. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the following conclusions could be drawn. 1. Frameworks bent toward the inferior side on all casts made by both direct unsplinted and splinted impression techniques in both parallel and divergent conditions. 2. There was no statistically significant difference of accuracy between the direct unsplinted and splinted impression techniques in both parallel and divergent conditions (P>.01). 3. There was no statistically significant difference of stress according to screw tightening sequences in casts made by the splinted impression technique in parallel condition (P>.01). 4. Greater tightening force resulted in greater stress in casts made by the splinted impression technique in parallel condition (P<.01).