• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2013

PURPOSE. This study examined the effects of the abutment types and dynamic loading on the stability of implant prostheses with three types of implant abutments prepared using different fabrication methods by measuring removal torque both before and after dynamic loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Three groups of abutments were produced using different types of fabrication methods; stock abutment, gold cast abutment, and CAD/CAM custom abutment. A customized jig was fabricated to apply the load at $30^{\circ}$ to the long axis. The implant fixtures were fixed to the jig, and connected to the abutments with a 30 Ncm tightening torque. A sine curved dynamic load was applied for $10^5$ cycles between 25 and 250 N at 14 Hz. Removal torque before loading and after loading were evaluated. The SPSS was used for statistical analysis of the results. A Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare screw loosening between the abutment systems. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare screw loosening between before and after loading in each group (${\alpha}$=0.05). RESULTS. Removal torque value before loading and after loading was the highest in stock abutment, which was then followed by gold cast abutment and CAD/CAM custom abutment, but there were no significant differences. CONCLUSION. The abutment types did not have a significant influence on short term screw loosening. On the other hand, after $10^5$ cycles dynamic loading, CAD/CAM custom abutment affected the initial screw loosening, but stock abutment and gold cast abutment did not.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.240-249
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• 2007

Statement of problem: A phenomenon of screw-loosening in implant abutment is frequently occurred in a single and multiple implant restoration. Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate an effect of abutment material on screw-loosening before and after a cyclic loading. In a single-tooth implant, different materials of abutment, Type III Gold alloy and Zirconium composite$(ZrO_2/Al_2O_3)$ were used. Material and method: The Gold alloy(Type III) and Zirconium composite$(ZrO_2/Al_2O_3)$ were used to make a superstructure of implant, the one of types of UCLA, Each group was constituted of 5 sample with a 30-degree offset angulated loading platform. The external hexagonal fixture was rigidly hel d in a special holding zig to ensure solid fixation without rotation during the tightening and a cyclic loading. A Titanium-alloy screw was used to connect and controlled to be tighten in 20Ncm torque by a digital torque gauge. A 20 times of consecutive closing/opening cycle were performed to evaluate the immediate torque loss. In 5 sample of each material group, an initial opening torque was recorded during 3 closing/opening cycle, then 2Hz, 200N, 1,000,000 cyclic loadings were performed, then a opening torque was evaluated. Result & Conclusion: 1. In this limited study, titanium alloy screw tightened in 20Ncm, a cold-welding phenomen on was not observed during the 20 times of closing/opening cycle(p=0.11, p=0.18). 2. In titanium alloy abutment screw, repeated opening and closing of the screw caused to progressive decrease of opening torque(p=0.014). 3. The difference in preload of screw between gold alloy abutment and ceramic$(ZrO_2/Al_2O_3)$ abutment was not significant(p=0.78). 4. The difference in torque loss of screw between gold alloy abutment and ceramic$(ZrO_2/Al_2O_3)$ abutment was not significant after 2Hz,200N, 1,000,000 cyclic loading(p=0.92). 5. In titanium alloy abutment screw tightened by 20Ncm, the screw loosening was not significant on each group after 2Hz, 200Ncm, 1,000,000 cyclic loading(p=0.59).

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.35-38
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• 2014

PURPOSE. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between microleakage and screw loosening at different types of implant-abutment connections and/or geometries measuring the torque values before and after the leakage tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Three different abutment types (Intenal hex titanium, internal hex zirconium, morse tapered titanium) with different geometries were connected to its own implant fixture. All the abutments were tightened with a standard torque value then the composition was connected to the modified fluid filtration system. After the measurements of leakage removal torque values were re-measured. Kruskal-wallis test was performed for non-parametric and one-way ANOVA was performed for parametric data. The correlation was evaluated using Spearman Correlation Test (${\alpha}=0.05$). RESULTS. Significantly higher microleakage was found at the connection of implant-internal hex zirconium abutment. Observed mean torque value loss was also significantly higher than other connection geometries. Spearman tests revealed a significant correlation between microleakage and screw loosening. CONCLUSION. Microleakage may provoke screw loosening. Removing torque values rationally decrease with the increase of microleakage.

• Corrosion Science and Technology
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.212-217
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• 2011

In this study, corrosion characteristics of TiN and ZrN film on the abutment screw by arc-ion plating were investigated using a potentiodynamic anodic polarization test in deaerated 0.9% NaCl solution at $36.5{\pm}1^{\circ}C$. The surface morphologies of the coating layers before and after corrosion test were investigated by a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and a energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The surfaces of the TiN and ZrN coated abutment screws showed the smooth surfaces without mechanical defects like scratches which can be formed during the manufacturing process, compared with those of the non-coated abutment screw. The corrosion and passive current densities of TiN and ZrN coated abutment screws were lower than those of the non-coated abutment screw.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.628-640
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• 2004

Statement of problem. Wear as a result of repeated closing/opening cycles may decrease the friction coefficient of screw head, threads, and other mating components and, consequently, resistance to opening gradually decreases. It may cause screw loosening, which is one of the most common failures in implant prosthesis. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the changes on the head and thread surface of the abutment screws after repeated closing and opening through the examination of tested screws in SEM(scanning electron microscope). Materials and methods. Five species of abutments were selected (3i-three, Avana-two) respectively by two pieces. The implant fixtures were perpendicularly mounted in liquid unsaturated polyesther(Epovia, Cray Valley Inc.) with dental surveyor. Each abutment was secured to the implant fixture by each abutment screw with recommended torque value using a digital torque controller. The abutment screws were repeatedly tightened and removed 20 times with a digital controller. FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscope, Netherland, Phillips co., model:XL 30 SFEG) was used to observe changes of each part caused by repeatedly closing/opening expeiment. First, the Photomicrographs of pre-test screws provided by each manufacturer were taken. The changes of each screw were investigated after every fifth closing and opening experiment with FESEM. Scaning electron microscope photomicrographs of each screw were taken four times. Results. As the number of closing and opening was increased, the wear or distortion of hexed or squared slot that contacted with the driver tip was more severely progressed. Wear or distortion of hexed slot was more severe than that of squared slot and it was more remarkable in the titanium screw than in the gold screw. All the tested screws showed that the width in the crest of their screw thread decreased gradually as the test was proceeded. Conclusions. Conclusively, we recommend the clinical use of gold screw, a periodic exchanges of abutment screws and avoiding repeated closing/opening unnecessarily. We also suggest a more careful manipulation of the abutment screw and screw-driver and using of abutment screw with an acute-angled slot design rather than an obtuse-angled one. Finally, it is suggested that the new slot design and the surface treatment for enduring wear or distortion should be devised.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.192-209
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• 2004

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the machining accuracy and consistency of implant/abutment/screw combination or internal connection type. Material and methods: In this study, each two randomly selected internal implant fixtures from ITI, 3i, Avana, Bicon, Friadent, Astra, and Paragon system were used. Each abutment was connected to the implant with 32Ncm torque value using a digital torque controller or tapping. All samples were cross-sectioned with grinder-polisher unit (Omnilap 2000 SBT Inc) after embeded in liquid unsaturated polyester (Epovia, Cray Valley Inc). Then optical microscopic and scanning electron microscopic(SEM) evaluations of the implant-abutment interfaces were conducted to assess quality of fit between the mating components. Results : 1) Generally, the geometry of the internal connection system provided for a precision fit of the implant/abutment into interface. 2) The most precision fit of the implant/abutment interface was provided in the case of Bicon System which has not screw. 3) The fit of the implant/abutment interface was usually good in the case of ITI, 3I and Avana system and the amount of fit of the implant/abutment interface was similar to each other. 4) The fit of the implant/abutment interface was usually good in the case of Friadent, Astra and Paragon system. The case of Astra system with the inclined contacting surface had the most Intimate contact among them. 5) Amount of intimate contact in the abutment screw thread to the mating fixture was larger in assembly with two-piece type which is separated screw from abutment such as Friadent, Astra and Paragon system than in that with one-piece type which is not seperated screw from abutment such as ITI, 3I and Avana system. 6) Amount of contact in the screw and the screw seat of abutment was larger in assembly of Friadent system than in asembly of Astra system of Paragon system. Conclusion: Although a little variation in machining accuracy and consistency was noted in the samples, important features of all internal connection systems were the deep, internal implant-abutment connections which provides intimate contact with the implant walls to resist micro-movement, resulting in a strong stable interface. From the results of this study, further research of the stress distribution according to the design of internal connection system will be required.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.212-217
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• 2018

Purpose: This study was to assess clinically the incidence of abutment screw loosening of posterior implant-supported fixed prosthesis and its affecting factors. Materials and methods: 391 implant-supported crowns restored from January 2013 to January 2016 were included in this study. All restorations were fabricated with either a single crowns or a splinted crown, and cemented with temporary cement. The incidence of abutment screw loosening is investigated and gender, restoration position, opposing teeth, restoration type, abutment connection type were assessed as possible factors affecting abutment screw loosening. Results: During the observation period (2 - 5 years), abutment screw loosening was found in 29 restorations (7.4%). It took 3 to 48 months (means 19.5 months) to loose the screw, and three of these implants were fractured. Among the factors considered, there were statistically significant differences at abutment screw loosening rate between molar group (9.4%) and premolar group (2.6%) (P<.019). According to the type of opposing teeth, there were statistically significant differences between nature teeth (74.7%) and implant (25.0%), removable denture (3%) (P<.019). The other possible factors did not have a significant effect on loosening of the abutment. Conclusion: The incidence of abutment screw loosening in posterior restoration was 7.4%. Abutment screw loosening were more likely to occur in molars group than premolar group, and according to the opposing teeth, there were the greatest frequency in nature teeth than implant and removal denture. There was a statistically significant difference.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.351-359
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• 2003

Statement of problem: Regardless of any restoration, most of case, we used in screw connection between abutment and implant. For this reason, implant screw loosening has been remained problem in restorative practices. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare surface of coated/plated screw with titanium and gold alloy screw and to evaluate physical property of coated/plated material after scratch test in FESEM investigation Material and methods: GoldTite, titanium screw provided by 3i (Implant Innovation, USA) and TorqTite, titanium screw by Steri-Oss (Nobel Biocare, USA) and gold screw, titanium screw by AVANA (Osstem Implant, korea) - were selected for this study. Each abutment screw surface was observed at 100 times, and then screw crest, root, and slope were done more detailed numerical value, at 1000 times with FESEM. A micro-diamond needle was also prepared for the scratch test. Each abutment screw was fixed, micro-diamond scratch the surface of head region was made at constant load and then was observed central region and periphery of fine trace through 1000 times with FESEM. Results: The surface of GoldTite was smoother than that of other kinds of screw and had abundant ductility and malleability compared with titanium and gold screw. The scratch test also showed that teflon particles were exfoliated easily in screw coated with teflon. Titanium screw had a rough surface and low ductility. Conclusion: It was recommended that the clinical use of gold-plated screw would prevent a screw from loosening. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Clinical use of gold-plated screw would prevent a screw from loosening because it had abundant ductility and malleability compared with titanium and gold screw.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.387-392
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• 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of grooved abutments on abutment screw loosening. Materials and methods: This study was conducted to evaluate the abutment screw loosening after 6 months for 50 patients (51 implants) treated at the department of Prosthodontics in Yonsei University Dental Hospital from March, 2015 to July, 2015. A control group with non-grooved abutment consists of 30 implants, and an experimental group with grooved abutment consists of 21 implants. Astra, Straumann, Implantium, Osstem system were used in the study. The abutments with loose screws cases after a period of 6 months has been investigated, with two kinds of measurements: 1) measuring the additional rotational angle on abutment during placement with the same force, 2) measuring the PTV on bucco-cervical area of implant crown. All data collected has been analyzed by normality test followed by Mann-Whitney test using SPSS program. Results: No complications were reported after 6 months for the 51 implants. Abutment screw loose and crown fracture have not been seen in the study groups. The data collected from the two measurements showed no significant differences between the two groups with P-value 0.576 (average= control group: $7.35^{\circ}$, experimental group: $4.75^{\circ}$) for the additional rotational angle measurement and with P-value 0.767 for PTV. Conclusion: There are no significant differences between the grooved and non-grooved abutment in screw stability. However, further studies with long-term followups and larger group of patients is needed in order to investigate the effects of grooved abutment on screw stability.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.365-375
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• 2009

Statement of problems: Stress analysis on implant components of the combined screw- and cement-retained implant prosthesis has not investigated yet. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the load distribution characteristics of implant prostheses with the different prosthodontic retention types, such as cement-type, screw-type and combined type by using 3-dimensional finite element analysis. Material and methods: A 3-dimensional finite element model was created in which two SS II implants (Osstem Co. Ltd.) were placed in the areas of the first premolar and the first molar in the mandible, and three-unit fixed partial dentures with four different retention types were fabricated on the two SS II implants. Model 1 was a cement-retained implant restoration made on two cement-retained type abutments (Comocta abutment; Osstem Co. Ltd.), and Model 2 was a screw-retained implant restoration made on the screw-retained type abutments (Octa abutment; Osstem Co. Ltd.). Model 3 was a combined type implant restoration made on the cement-retained type abutment (Comocta abutment) for the first molar and the screw-retained type abutment (Octa abutment) for the first premolar. Lastly, Model 4 was a combined type implant restoration made on the screw-retained type abutment (Octa abutment) for the first molar and the cement-retained type abutment (Comocta abutment) for the first premolar. Average masticatory force was applied on the central fossa in a vertical direction, and on the buccal cusp in a vertical and oblique direction for each model. Von-Mises stress patterns on alveolar bone, implant body, abutment, abutment screw, and prosthetic screw around implant prostheses were evaluated through 3-dimensional finite element analysis. Results: Model 2 showed the lowest von Mises stress. In all models, the von Mises stress distribution of cortical bone, cancellous bone and implant body showed the similar pattern. Regardless of loading conditions and type of abutment system, the stress of bone was concentrated on the cortical bone. The von-Mises stress on abutment, abutment screw, and prosthetic screw showed the lower values for the screw-retained type abutment than for the cement-retained type abutment regardless of the model type. There was little reciprocal effect of the abutment system between the molar and the premolar position. For all models, buccal cusp oblique loading caused the largest stress, followed by buccal cusp vertical loading and center vertical loading. Conclusion: Within the limitation of the FEA study, the combined type implant prosthesis did not demonstrate more stress around implant components than the cement type implant prosthesis. Under the assumption of ideal passive fit, the screw-type implant prosthesis showed the east stress around implant components.