Measurement of gap between abutment and fixture in dental conical connection implants. A focused ion beam SEM observation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the authors was to examine the abutment-fixture interface in Morse-type conical implants in order to verify gaps at this level using a new microscopical approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, 20 abutment-fixture complexes were prepared by sectioning (longitudinal and cross-sectional to the long axis) with a microtome and then with a focused ion beam (FIB). This is a micrometric machine tool that uses gallium ions to abrade circumscribed areas to dig deeper into the cuts obtained with the microtome in order to eliminate cut-induced artifacts. This is because the FIB abrasion is practically free from artifacts, which are normally generated by the action of the microtome blades or other techniques. Samples were then observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The observation of the abraded parts with the FIB permitted measurement of the real gap between the implant-abutment components. A variable amount of gap was retrieved (from 0 to 3 µm) by the observations, confirming the non-hermetic nature of the connection. It has to be pointed out that in approximately 65% of cases, the gap accounted for less than 1 µm. CONCLUSIONS: The reported data confirmed that the analyzed connection system allowed for minimal gap. However, from the evidence of the present analysis, it cannot be assumed that the 2 parts of a Morse-type conical implant are fused in 1 piece, which would create a perfectly matched hermetic connection.

[Laser in endodontics]. / Il laser in endodonzia.

The authors present the results of root canal cleaning obtained by using the laser-system. The purpose of the study is to compare the results of the manual technique with the laser-system. Based on the results obtained the authors maintain that laser treatment doesn't allow a uniform and satisfactory cleaning, owing to its technical characteristics. They support that laser system, improving its characteristics, could represent a valid alternative to the manual technique.