ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the internal abutment length affected screw stability in an internal connection implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty long internal connection implants (Replus system, 4.7 × 11.5 mm) were selected for this investigation. Abutments were assigned to four groups depending on the length of the internal connection (abutments with internal lengths of 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm, respectively). Each implant fixture specimen was embedded in resin medium and connected to an abutment with an abutment screw. A load of 100 N, applied at an angle of 30° to the long axis of the implant, was repeated for 1.0 × 10⁶ cycles. Reverse torque values (RTV) were recorded before and after loading, and the change in RTV was calculated. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The change in RTV was not significantly different among the groups (P>.05). Screw loosening and fractures were not observed in any groups, and joint stability was maintained. CONCLUSION: The internal length of the abutment may not significantly affect the degree of screw loosening.