• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.93-102
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• 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fit accuracy of two zirconia and titanium abutments in internal hexagonal implants. Materials and methods: One titanium abutment and two zirconia abutments were tested in internal hexagonal implants (TSV, Zimmer). Prefabricated zirconia abutments (ZirAce, Acucera) and customized zirconia abutments milled by the Zirkonzahn system (Zirkonzahn Max, Zirkonzahn) were selected and prefabricated titanium abutments (Hex-Lock, Zimmer) were used as a control. Eight abutments per group were connected to implants with 30 Ncm torque. The marginal gaps at abutment-implant interface, the internal gaps at internal hex, vertical and horizontal gaps between screws and screw seats in abutments were measured after sectioning the embedded specimens using a scanning electron microscope. Data analysis included one-way analysis of variance and the Scheffe test (n=16, ${\alpha}=0.05$). Results: The mean marginal gap of customized zirconia abutment was higher than those of two prefabricated zirconia and titanium abutments. The internal gaps at internal hex showed no significant differences between customized and prefabricated abutments and were higher than those of prefabricated titanium abutments. The mean vertical and horizontal gaps at screw in prefabricated zirconia abutment were higher than those of prefabricated titanium abutment. In the case of customized zirconia abutment, the mean horizontal gap at screw was higher than those of both the prefabricated zirconia and the titanium abutment but the mean vertical gap was not even measureable. The screw seats were clearly formed but did not match with abutment screws in prefabricated zirconia abutments. They were not, however, precisely formed in the case of customized zirconia abutments. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the prefabricated titanium abutments showed better fit than the zirconia abutments, regardless of customized or prefabricated. Also, the customized zirconia abutments showed significantly higher marginal gaps and the fit was less accurate between screws and screw seats than the prefabricated abutments, titanium and zirconia.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.191-197
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• 2016

In the past, restoration of implant crown, ready-made abutment produced by implant manufacturer could only be used. Using straight, angled abutment, there was a limit in adaptation multiple implants. Recently, with the development of implant and CAD/CAM technology, CAD/CAM customized abutment use has become possible which is different from the past when restoration was possible with only prefabricated abutment. Not only it makes emergence profile possible which is similar to natural teeth, but also it makes insertion path possible on CAD in multiple implant restorations. However, on anterior teeth which dental esthetics is very important, another restorations which are formed with natural colored gingiva area could be required. Titanium-based zirconia prostheses which have titanium connection and zirconia structure from 1mm above fixture platform are alternative. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to analyze the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the abutment which is used in multiple implant restorations, and to choose right abutment when clinical trials.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.271-277
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• 2017

PURPOSE. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of implant connection design (external vs. internal) on the fit discrepancy and torque loss of zirconia and titanium abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Two regular platform dental implants, one with external connection ($Br{\aa}nemark$, Nobel Biocare AB) and the other with internal connection (Noble Replace, Nobel Biocare AB), were selected. Seven titanium and seven customized zirconia abutments were used for each connection design. Measurements of geometry, marginal discrepancy, and rotational freedom were done using video measuring machine. To measure the torque loss, each abutment was torqued to 35 Ncm and then opened by means of a digital torque wrench. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and t-test at ${\alpha}=0.05$ of significance. RESULTS. There were significant differences in the geometrical measurements and rotational freedom between abutments of two connection groups (P<.001). Also, the results showed significant differences between titanium abutments of internal and external connection implants in terms of rotational freedom (P<.001). Not only customized internal abutments but also customized external abutments did not have the exact geometry of prefabricated abutments (P<.001). However, neither connection type (P=.15) nor abutment material (P=.38) affected torque loss. CONCLUSION. Abutments with internal connection showed less rotational freedom. However, better marginal fit was observed in externally connected abutments. Also, customized abutments with either connection could not duplicate the exact geometry of their corresponding prefabricated abutment. However, neither abutment connection nor material affected torque loss values.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.81-92
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• 2014

It is so hard to obtain optimal anterior esthetics in the implant prosthesis. This is not only because of hard and soft tissue problem such as alveolar bone resorption and interdental papilla loss but also because of prosthetic limitation related to marginal exposure of metal abutment and metal ceramics and low transillumination. In this case, guided soft tissue healing is obtained using a long term provisional restoration with soft and hard tissue augmentation or immediate implantation. Then, this healed tissue is transferred to final master model using a customized impression coping and the implant is restored with a customized zirconia abutment and a all ceramics. This case presents satisfying result esthetically and functionally.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.233-240
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• 2014

PURPOSE. To evaluate the effects of different abutment geometries in combination with varying luting agents and the effectiveness of different cleaning methods (prior to re-cementation) regarding the retentiveness of zirconia copings on implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Implants were embedded in resin blocks. Three groups of titanium abutments (pre-fabricated, height: 7.5 mm, taper: $5.7^{\circ}$; customized-long, height: 6.79 mm, taper: $4.8^{\circ}$; customized-short, height: 4.31 mm, taper: $4.8^{\circ}$) were used for luting of CAD/CAM-fabricated zirconia copings with a semi-permanent (Telio CS) and a provisional cement (TempBond NE). Retention forces were evaluated using a universal testing machine. Furthermore, the influence of cleaning methods (manually, manually in combination with ultrasonic bath or sandblasting) prior to re-cementation with a provisional cement (TempBond NE) was investigated with the pre-fabricated titanium abutments (height: 7.5 mm, taper: $5.7^{\circ}$) and SEM-analysis of inner surfaces of the copings was performed. Significant differences were determined via two-way ANOVA. RESULTS. Significant interactions between abutment geometry and luting agent were observed. TempBond NE showed the highest level of retentiveness on customized-long abutments, but was negatively affected by other abutment geometries. In contrast, luting with Telio CS demonstrated consistent results irrespective of the varying abutment geometries. Manual cleaning in combination with an ultrasonic bath was the only cleaning method tested prior to re-cementation that revealed retentiveness levels not inferior to primary cementation. CONCLUSION. No superiority for one of the two cements could be demonstrated because their influences on retentive strength are also depending on abutment geometry. Only manual cleaning in combination with an ultrasonic bath offers retentiveness levels after re-cementation comparable to those of primary luting.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.183-190
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• 2015

PURPOSE. This study evaluated the fracture load of customized zirconia abutments with titanium insert according to preparation depths, with or without 5-year artificial aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Thirty-six identical lithium disilicate crowns (IPS e.max press) were fabricated to replace a maxillary right central incisor and cemented to the customized zirconia abutment with titanium insert on a $4.5{\times}10$ mm titanium fixture. Abutments were fabricated with 3 preparation depths (0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, and 0.9 mm). Half of the samples were then processed using thermocycling (temperature: $5-55^{\circ}C$, dwelling time: 120s) and chewing simulation (1,200,000 cycles, 49 N load). All specimens were classified into 6 groups depending on the preparation depth and artificial aging (non-artificial aging groups: N5, N7, N9; artificial aging groups: A5, A7, A9). Static load was applied at 135 degrees to the implant axis in a universal testing machine. Statistical analyses of the results were performed using 1-way ANOVA, 2-way ANOVA, independent t-test and multiple linear regression. RESULTS. The fracture loads were $539.28{\pm}63.11$ N (N5), $406.56{\pm}28.94$ N (N7), $366.66{\pm}30.19$ N (N9), $392.61{\pm}50.57$ N (A5), $317.94{\pm}30.05$ N (A7), and $292.74{\pm}37.15$ N (A9). The fracture load of group N5 was significantly higher than those of group N7 and N9 (P<.017). Consequently, the fracture load of group A5 was also significantly higher than those of group A7 and A9 (P<.05). After artificial aging, the fracture load was significantly decreased in all groups with various preparation depths (P<.05). CONCLUSION. The fracture load of a single anterior implant restored with lithium disilicate crown on zirconia abutment with titanium insert differed depending on the preparation depths. After 5-year artificial aging, the fracture loads of all preparation groups decreased significantly.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.209-223
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• 2013

This study was to evaluate the stress distributions of prefabricated, customized abutments and fixtures according to their material and shape by three-dimensional finite element analysis. And to investigate the fatigue life and fracture characteristics. Mandibular models were fabricated by reconstruction of the CT scan of patients with normal occlusion. A total of six finite element models were designed, a load of 100 N was applied on the buccal cusps vertically, and 30 degree obliquely. 10 specimens each were fabricated for the more clinically widely used 4 type abutments and were loaded according to ISO 14801. Differences in stress distribution patterns were not found according to the materials of the abutments and fixtures. But a slight difference in the stress level was detected. Customized abutment groups showed lower crown stress levels. One-piece zirconia implant showed the lowest bone stress levels. In the fatigue test, highest values were measured in group 7. Prefabricated abutments showed less variation of fatigue life (P<0.05). Use of customized abutments can improve the fracture resistance of restorations. Especially, use of customized zirconia abutments reinforced by titanium screw connecting parts is recommended.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.201-212
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• 2012

There are some similar aspects at histological and morphological characteristics between the peri-implant tissue and periodontal tissue and the direct attachment between the titanium and soft tissue around the implant called as "Functional ankylosis" can prevent the apical infiltration of inflammatory and bone resorption around implant. But, the repeated connection and disconnection of the abutment can destroy the mucosal barrier of soft tissue around the implant and can cause the marginal bone resorption. The amount of marginal bone resorption may reduced if the prosthetic abutment is placed at that time of surgery. Connection of the prosthetic abutment at surgery was limited because the low accuracy of conventional method, but by using of Cone Beam Computed Tomography(CBCT) and guide surgery, the 3-dimensional accuracy of implant placement became much higher than before and it became possible. This is a clinical case of immediate connection of prosthetic abutment and provisional restoration by using of precise CBCT diagnosis and pre-fabricated zirconia customized abutment at surgery and the alternative method is described in this article because of the clinically contentable results.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.388-394
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• 2018

PURPOSE. To measure axial displacement of different implant-abutment connection types and materials during screw tightening at the recommended torque by using a contact scanner for two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) analyses. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Twenty models of missing mandibular left second premolars were 3D-printed and implant fixtures were placed at the same position by using a surgical guide. External and internal fixtures were used. Three implant-abutment internal connection (INT) types and one implant-abutment external connection (EXT) type were prepared. Two of the INT types used titanium abutment and zirconia abutment; the other INT type was a customized abutment, fabricated by using a computer-controlled milling machine. The EXT type used titanium abutment. Screws were tightened at $10N{\cdot}cm$, simulating hand tightening, and then at the manufacturers' recommended torque ($30N{\cdot}cm$) 10 min later. Abutments and adjacent teeth were subsequently scanned with a contact scanner for 2D and 3D analyses using a 3D inspection software. RESULTS. Significant differences were observed in axial displacement according to the type of implant-abutment connection (P<.001). Vertical displacement of abutments was greater than overall displacement, and significant differences in vertical and overall displacement were observed among the four connection types (P<.05). CONCLUSION. Displacement according to connection type and material should be considered in choosing an implant abutment. When adjusting a prosthesis, tightening the screw at the manufacturers' recommended torque is advisable, rather than the level of hand tightening.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.75-82
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• 2017

Purpose: This study provided the basic data for selection the zirconia block and CAM by means of marginal fitness observations, flexural strength test and hardness test. Methods: Three dental zirconia blocks(ABCera, NaturaZ, ST98) and two dental milling machines(CAD/CAM MS, DWX-50) were used in this study. Metal abutment(diameter 10 mm, height 5 mm, inclined angle $3^{\circ}$ taper, 1 mm chamfer margin) was fabricated by Ti customized abutment, and then zirconia copings were fabricated for each ten specimens. Silicone replica technique was used to observe the marginal fitness of cross-sections with a stereomicroscope at ${\times}50$ magnification. The dental zirconia blocks was cut into 10 pieces each having a size of $25mm{\times}5mm{\times}1mm$, and fabricated according to the manufacturer's instructions, and flexural strength was measured using a universal testing machine. For hardness test, a micro Vickers hardness tester was used as it was in the flexural strength test. Statistical analysis was performed by one way ANOVA and post-test was performed by Scheffe test. Results: For marginal fitness of bucco-lingual axial, ZU group($59.7{\pm}10.3{\mu}m$) was the lowest, followed by RA, ZA, ZD, RD, RU. For marginal fitness of mesio-distal axial, ZU group($59.3{\pm}10.2{\mu}m$) was the lowest, followed by RA, ZA, RD, ZD, RU. One-way ANOVA showed statistically significant difference between groups(p<0.05). For flexural strength, ABCera block($718.0{\pm}57.2MPa$) was the highest, followed by NaturaZ, ST98. For hardness, ABCera block($1550.3{\pm}19.8Hv$) was the highest, followed by ST98, NaturaZ. There was no significant difference in flexural strength and hardness between blocks(p>0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the type of dental zirconia block did influence the marginal fitness, and all dental zirconia blocks are expected to be suitable for clinical application. The highest flexural strength and hardness were ABCera block, and no statistically significant difference was observed.