ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the machining accuracy and consistency of implant/abutment/screw combination of 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) valuations 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 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 or 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 micromovement, 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.