Evaluation of the accuracy of fixture-level impression technique for internal connection implant using clinical methods / 대한치과보철학회지

Statement of problem: Accurate impression is essential to success of implant prostheses. But there have been few studies about the accuracy of fixture-level impression technique in internal connection implant system. Purpose: This study evaluated the accuracy of splinted fixture-level impression technique using clinical methods and the effect of internal hex on fit of superstructure in internal connection implant system (Astra Tech). Material and method: Two metal master frameworks made from two abutments (Cast-to Abutment ST) each for parallel and divergent conditions and a corresponding, passively fitting, dental stone master cast with four fixture replicas (Fixture Replica ST) were fabricated. Ten dental stone casts were made with vinyl polysiloxane impressions from the master cast by acrylic resin splinted fixture-level impression technique. To evaluate the accuracy of impression technique, the fit of master frameworks for test models was evaluated using screw resistance test (SRT) and onescrew test. The results of SRT were recorded as SRT values from grade 1 to grade 5 by 1/4 turn. And to evaluate the effect of hex on fit of superstructure, the same tests were performed after removing hexes of master frameworks. Results: 1. There was only one case (2.5%) showing SRT value of test model below grade 2 in total before and after removing hexes of master frameworks. And, by removing hexes, SRT values decreased in only one test model (5%) and did not change in 17 test models (85%). 2. SRT values of the 1st screws were grade 2 in 80% of cases before, and grade 1 in 80% of cases after removing hexes. And, by removing hexes, SRT values decreased in 72.5% of cases. 3. SRT values of the 2nd screws were grade 3 in 85% of cases before, and grade 3 in 95% of cases after removing hexes. And, by removing hexes, SRT values did not change in 85% of cases. 4. There were only 2 cases regarded as acceptable fit by one-screw test, and SRT values of 2nd screws of both cases were grade 2. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, fixture-level impression of internal connection implant system is considered to obtain inaccurate working cast, even using acrylic resin splinted impression technique. And, it is considered to be unable to improve the fit to remove the hexes of implant restoration.

Comparative accuracy of the splinted and unsplinted impression methods for internal connection / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Accurate impression is essential to success of implant prostheses. But there have been few studies about the accuracy of fixture-level impression techniques in internal connection implant systems. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of two fixture-level impression techniques in two conditions (parallel and divergent) and to assess the effect of tightening sequences and forces on stresses generated on superstructures in internal connection implant system (Astra Tech). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two metal master frameworks made from two abutments (Cast-to Abutment ST) each and a corresponding, passively fitting, dental stone master cast with four fixture replicas (Fixture Replica ST) were fabricated. Ten dental stone casts for each impression techniques (direct unsplinted and splinted technique) were made with vinyl polysiloxane impressions from the master cast. Strain gauges for each framework were fixed midway between abutments to measure the degree of framework deformation on each stone cast. Pairs of strain gauges placed opposite each other constituted one channel (half Wheatstone bridge) to read deformation in four directions (superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior). Deformation data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey test at the .01 level of significance. And the effect of tightening sequences (right-to-left and left-to-right) and forces (10 Ncm and 20 Ncm) were assessed with ten stone casts made from parallel condition by the splinted technique. Deformation data were analyzed using paired t-test at the .01 level of significance. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the following conclusions could be drawn. 1. Frameworks bent toward the inferior side on all casts made by both direct unsplinted and splinted impression techniques in both parallel and divergent conditions. 2. There was no statistically significant difference of accuracy between the direct unsplinted and splinted impression techniques in both parallel and divergent conditions (P>.01). 3. There was no statistically significant difference of stress according to screw tightening sequences in casts made by the splinted impression technique in parallel condition (P>.01). 4. Greater tightening force resulted in greater stress in casts made by the splinted impression technique in parallel condition (P<.01).