RÉSUMÉ
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different abutment materials on abutment screw loosening and settling-down effect in conical connection type implant system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three types of abutment, cementation, gold UCLA, and metal UCLA abutment were used. Two UCLA groups were fabricated in a similar pattern to cementation abutment. Type III gold alloy and Nickel-Chromium alloy was used for casting gold UCLA abutment and metal UCLA abutment, respectively. Fixture and abutment were tightened to 30 Ncm by using digital torque controller and re-tightening was conducted with same force after 10 minutes. Digital torque gauge was used to measure loosening torque and fixture/abutment length was measured by digital micrometer. Dynamic loads between 25 N and 250 N were applied with 0degreesangle to the abutment axis. After loading, fixture/abutment length was re-measured and amount of settlement was calculated. Loosening torque value was also measured for comparison. RESULTS: All three groups showed significant differences of length when comparing before and after loading, but there was no significant difference of settling amount in all groups. Loosening torque values were significantly decreased when comparing before and after loading in all groups(P<.05). However, there was no significant difference in loss of loosening torque values when compared to groups. CONCLUSION: In internal conical connection type implants, dynamic load affected on settlement and loosening torque of implant, but there was no differences between abutments materials. Likewise gold UCLA abutment, metal UCLA abutment might be able to withstand functional load.