J Korean Acad Prosthodont.  2001 Feb;39(1):1-13.

A study on the fit of implant-retained prostheses using electric discharge machining

• Han ET
• Kim YS
• Kim CW
• Yang JH

Abstract

An absolutely passive fit at the interface with the superstructure and the abutment cylinders is need for implant longevity. In this study, A method of cast framework correction using spark erosion technology was evaluated. Electric discharge machining(EDM) is a process that uses electrical discharges, or sparks, to machine metal. The surface being machined is bombared with high-intensity electrical energy pulses that gradually melt away the stock until the desired configuration is obtained. Master model was fabricated by using metal block impression analogue, which fixed 5 Branemark squared impression coping in an arc shaped metal block. Then framework using 4mm standard gold cylinder and type IV gold alloy was fabricated. In order to measure the fit of the framework, we used both contact and noncontact coordinate measurement machine and data was processed by computer program. After superimposition of gold framework and master model numeric image data, the distances between gold cylinder bearing surfaces and abutment replica bearing surfaces and the angle deviations between gold cylinder and abutment replica centroid points were calculated. The results were as follows : 1. The total mean distance (p<0.01) and standard deviation (p<0.001) between the gold cylinders and abutment bearing surfaces were significantly decreased after EDM. 2. The total mean of maximum distances was significantly decreased after EDM (p<0.05). 3. After EDM, the mean angle deviation between centroid points was decreased.

MeSH Terms

Alloys
Longevity
Prostheses and Implants*
Alloys