Abstract
Dental implant systems have shown many post-surgical problems and One of the most frequent problem is screw loosening. To reduce screw loosening, a number of methods have been tried and recently fundamental modification of fixture-abutment connection structure was developed and used the most frequently. Former implant system structure, such as Br${\aa}$nemark, had external hex with the height of 0.7 mm and later, fixture with external hex of 1.0 mm height and internal hex structure were developed. In addition, the method of morse taper application was introduced to reduce screw loosening. In this study, the level of screw loosening of each implant systems was compared based on the vibration loosening measurement of abutment screw of each implant systems. Analysis of measured value was performed using 3 kinds of methods, (i) Percentage of average of initial 3 times loosening-torque value(initial loosening value) to tightening-torque of 30 Ncm, (ii) Percentage of loosening-torque value after 200 N strength loaded(experimental value) to initial loosening value and (iii) Percentage of experimental value to 30 Ncm of tightening-torque. Each result of analyses shows the value of initial loosening, loosening by repetitive load and final loosening level. The results of this study were as follows. (1) Percentage of initial loosening value to tightening-torque was increased in order of 0.7 mm external hex, 1.0 mm external hex, internal hex and internal taper and all values between each groups showed statistical significance (p<0.05). (2) Percentage of experimental value to initial loosening value was increased in order of internal hex, 0.7 mm external hex, 1.0 mm external hex and internal taper. Value of internal taper showed significant difference with that of 0.7 mm external hex and internal hex (p<0.05). (3) Percentage of experimental value to tightening torque was increased in order of 0.7 mm external hex, 1.0 mm external hex, internal hex and internal taper. Values of all groups showed statistical significance (p<0.05) except between the groups of 1.0 mm external hex and internal hex. Based on those results, there was no significant difference of loosening-torque by repetitive loading except internal taper. It is supposed that implant system with high resistant capability against initial loosening could be recommended for clinical use. In addition, in case of single implant restoration, 1.0 mm external hex or internal hex could be recommended rather than 0.7 mm external hex, and the use of internal taper would be the most useful way to reduce screw loosening.
(Department of Prosthodontics College of Dentistry, Dankook University)
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