The effect of abutment height on screw loosening in single implant-supported prostheses after dynamic cyclic loading

Kim, Nam Gun; Kim, Yung Soo; Kim, Chang Whe; Jang, Kyung Soo; Lim, Young Jun

Abstract

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: One of the common problems of dental implant prosthesis is the loosening of the screw that connects each component, and this problem is more common in single implant-supported prostheses with external connection. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the changes of detorque values of abutment screws with external connection in different abutment heights. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After cyclic loading on three different abutment heights, detorque values were measured. Abutments were retained with titanium abutment screws tightened to 30 Ncm (30.5 kgmm) with digital torque gauge as recommended by the manufacturer. Replacing abutments, implants and titanium abutment screws with new ones at every measurement, initial detorque values were measured six times. In measuring detorque values after cyclic loading, Avana Cemented Abutments of 4.0 mm collar, 7.0 mm height (Osstem Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea) were used with three different lengths of 5.0, 8.0, 11.0 mm. Shorter abutments were made by milling of 11.0 mm abutment to have the same force-exercised area of 4.5 mm diameter. Sine curve force (20N-320N, 14Hz) was applied, and detorque values were measured after cyclic loading of 2 million times by loading machine. Detorque values of initial and after-loading were measured by digital torque gauge. One-way ANOVA was employed to see if there was any influence from different abutment heights. RESULTS: The results were as follows : 1. The initial detorque value was 27.8+/-0.93 kgmm, and the ratio of the initial detorque value to the tightening torque was 0.91(27.8/30.5). 2. Measured detorque values after cyclic loading were declined as the height of the abutment increased, that was, 5.0 mm; 22.3+/-0.82 kgmm, 8.0 mm; 21.8+/-0.93 kgmm, and 11.0 mm; 21.3+/-0.94 kgmm. 3. One-way ANOVA showed no statistically significant differences among these (p> 0.05). 4. Noticeable mobility at the implant-abutment interface was not observed in any case after cyclic loading at all.