• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.81-91
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• 2002

Dental implant systems have shown many post-surgical problems and One of the most frequent problem is screw loosening. To reduce screw loosening, a number of methods have been tried and recently fundamental modification of fixture-abutment connection structure was developed and used the most frequently. Former implant system structure, such as Br${\aa}$nemark, had external hex with the height of 0.7 mm and later, fixture with external hex of 1.0 mm height and internal hex structure were developed. In addition, the method of morse taper application was introduced to reduce screw loosening. In this study, the level of screw loosening of each implant systems was compared based on the vibration loosening measurement of abutment screw of each implant systems. Analysis of measured value was performed using 3 kinds of methods, (i) Percentage of average of initial 3 times loosening-torque value(initial loosening value) to tightening-torque of 30 Ncm, (ii) Percentage of loosening-torque value after 200 N strength loaded(experimental value) to initial loosening value and (iii) Percentage of experimental value to 30 Ncm of tightening-torque. Each result of analyses shows the value of initial loosening, loosening by repetitive load and final loosening level. The results of this study were as follows. (1) Percentage of initial loosening value to tightening-torque was increased in order of 0.7 mm external hex, 1.0 mm external hex, internal hex and internal taper and all values between each groups showed statistical significance (p<0.05). (2) Percentage of experimental value to initial loosening value was increased in order of internal hex, 0.7 mm external hex, 1.0 mm external hex and internal taper. Value of internal taper showed significant difference with that of 0.7 mm external hex and internal hex (p<0.05). (3) Percentage of experimental value to tightening torque was increased in order of 0.7 mm external hex, 1.0 mm external hex, internal hex and internal taper. Values of all groups showed statistical significance (p<0.05) except between the groups of 1.0 mm external hex and internal hex. Based on those results, there was no significant difference of loosening-torque by repetitive loading except internal taper. It is supposed that implant system with high resistant capability against initial loosening could be recommended for clinical use. In addition, in case of single implant restoration, 1.0 mm external hex or internal hex could be recommended rather than 0.7 mm external hex, and the use of internal taper would be the most useful way to reduce screw loosening.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture strength of straight and angled zirconia abutments for internal hex and external hex implants. Materials and methods: Twenty internal hex implants and 20 external hex implants were prepared. The prefabricated straight zirconia abutments and 17-degree-angled zirconia abutments were connected to those 40 implants. The specimens were classified into 4 groups depending on the connection type and abutment angulation; internal hex implant/straight abutment, group INS; internal hex implant/angled abutment, group INA; external hex implant/straight abutment, group EXS; external hex implant/angled abutment, group EXA. All specimens were loaded at a 30-degree angle with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min using universal testing machine. The fracture loads were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and independent t-test (${\alpha}=.05$). Results: The mean fracture load for INS was 955.91 N, 933.65 N for INA, 1267.20 N for EXS, and 1405.93 N for EXA. External hex implant showed a significantly higher fracture load, as compared to internal hex implant (P < .001). No significant differences in fracture loads were observed between the straight and angled abutment in internal hex implants (P = .747) and external hex implants (P = .222). Internal hexes of abutments were fractured horizontally in internal connection implants, while lingual cervical neck portions were fractured in external connection implants. Conclusion: The zirconia abutments with external hex implants showed significantly higher fracture strength than those with internal hex implants. However there was no difference in fracture strength between the straight and 17-degree-angled zirconia abutment connected to both implant systems.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.385-402
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• 1996

The purpose of this study was to analyze how the stability of the implant prostheses and the loosening of the fastening screw was affected when the various types of Hex structure provided for the effect of anti-rotation of the single prostheses were given. Three dimensional finite element model was designed with which the implants with the external hex type of 0.75mm, 1.5mm and the implant with the internal hex type of 0.75mm, 1.5mm and the implant with the external hex type of $15^{\circ}$ tapered shape of 0.75mm were supposed to completely osseointegrate to the mandible. After fininshing the finite element model, the preload of 10N at the fastening screw was applied and then the vertical and $30^{\circ}$ lateral load of 200N was applied respectively at the cusp tips of the prostheses. The following results were obtained : 1. In case of displacement, the amount of displacement was increased at the internal hex type(model C, D) than at the external hex type(model A, B, E) when the vertical and lateral load was applied. 2. Less equivalent stress was represented at the model B with increased external hex height than at the model A when the vertical and lateral load was applied. 3. Much stress was represented at the model E with increased hex angle than at the model A in case of the stress happened to the implant body and the fastening screw when the vertical and lateral load was applied. 4. Much equivalent stress was represented at the model D with deepened internal hex height than at the model C when vertical and lateral load was applied. 5. The least stress was taken at the model B and the most stress was taken at the model D in case of the stress happened to the implant when the vertical and lateral load was applied. 6. The least stress was taken at the model C at the vertical load. And the least stress was taken at the model B at lateral load in case of the stress happened to the fastening screw. As a results of this study, the good lateral stability of prostheses and less stress of the component of implant was taken when the external hex height was increased, and the risk of neck fracture of implant and fastening screw was increased when the internal hex height was deepned because of long screw neck portion and thin implant neck portion.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.393-404
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• 2003

Statement of problem. Higher incidence of prosthetic complications such as screw loosening, screw fracture has been reported for posterior single tooth implant. So, there is ongoing research regarding stability of implant-abutment interface. One of those research is increasing the implant diameter and prosthetic table width to improve joint stability. In another part of this research, internal conical type implant-abutment interface was developed and reported joint strength is higher than traditional external hex interface. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to compare stress distribution in single molar implant between external hex butt joint implant and internal conical joint implant when increasing the implant diameter and prosthetic table width : 4mm diameter, 5mm diameter, 5mm diameter/6mm prosthetic table width. Material and method. Non-linear finite element models were created and the 3-dimensional finite element analysis was performed to see the distribution of stress when 300N static loading was applied to model at $0^{\circ},\;15^{\circ},\;30^{\circ}$ off-axis angle. Results. The following results were obtained : 1. Internal conical joint showed lower tensile stress value than that of external hex butt joint. 2. When off-axis loading was applied, internal conical joint showed more effective stress distribution than external hex butt joint. 3. External hex butt joint showed lower tensile stress value when the implant diameter was increased. 4. Internal conical joint showed lower tensile stress value than external hex butt joint when the implant diameter was increased. 5. Both of these joint mechanism showed lower tensile stress value when the prosthetic table width was increased. Conclusion. Internal conical joint showed more effective stress distribution than external hex joint. Increasing implant diameter showed more effective stress distribution than increasing prosthetic table width.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.465-471
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• 2016

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the stability of interface between Co-Cr-Mo (CCM) UCLA abutment and external hex implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Sixteen external hex implant fixtures were assigned to two groups (CCM and Gold group) and were embedded in molds using clear acrylic resin. Screw-retained prostheses were constructed using CCM UCLA abutment and Gold UCLA abutment. The external implant fixture and screw-retained prostheses were connected using abutment screws. After the abutments were tightened to 30 Ncm torque, 5 kg thermocyclic functional loading was applied by chewing simulator. A target of $1.0{\times}10^6$cycles was applied. After cyclic loading, removal torque values were recorded using a driving torque tester, and the interface between implant fixture and abutment was evaluated by scanning electronic microscope (SEM). The means and standard deviations (SD) between the CCM and Gold groups were analyzed with independent t-test at the significance level of 0.05. RESULTS. Fractures of crowns, abutments, abutment screws, and fixtures and loosening of abutment screws were not observed after thermocyclic loading. There were no statistically significant differences at the recorded removal torque values between CCM and Gold groups (P>.05). SEM analysis revealed that remarkable wear patterns were observed at the abutment interface only for Gold UCLA abutments. Those patterns were not observed for other specimens. CONCLUSION. Within the limit of this study, CCM UCLA abutment has no statistically significant difference in the stability of interface with external hex implant, compared with Gold UCLA abutment.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.83-93
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• 2004

Statement of problem : Since the concept of osseointegrated dental implant by $Br{\aa}nemark$ et al was first applied to mandibular full edentulous patients. Recently it is considerated the first treatment option on missing teeth. A common problem associated with dental implant restorations is loosening of screws that retain the prosthesis to the abutment and the abutment to the implant fixture. Purpose : This study is to examine the influence on screw loosening of implant-abutment designs. Material and methods : External hex, cone screw, beveled hex, cam cylinder, cylinder hex by means of evaluating the loosening torques, with respect to a range of tightening torques after repeated loading. Result : 1. Cone screw, beveled hex groups are the highest initial tightening rate and cylinder hex, external hex groups are the lowest initial tightening rate (p < 0.05). 2. Cone screw groups are the highest after repeated loading tightening rate and cylinder hex groups are lowest after repeated loading tightening rate(p < 0.05). 3. Cone screw groups have the highest initial stability and anal stability. 4. All groups are decreased tightening rate after repeated loading.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.671-683
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• 2005

Statement of problem: The most commonly reported problem associated with dental implant restoration is the loosening of the screws. Purpose: This study compared the efficacy of an implant system incorporating an anti-rotational locking sleeve(Anti-Rotating Inner Post Screw System(ARIPS-system)) with other, traditional implant systems as a means of minimizing vibration loosening. Materials and methods: Three implant systems were examined; the conventional external hex type, the ARIPS-system, and the internal taper type implant system 30 specimens(10 samples per group)were fabricated and each abutment screw was secured to the implant future with 32Ncm of torque force and loosening torque was measured using a Torque Gauge. The procedure was repeated 3 times, recording initial loosening torque each time. The re-tightened abutment screw was subjected to a cyclic load having a maximum forte of 200N and minimum of 20N at 2Hz over a period of 12,600 cycles. after which the loosening torque was measured. Measured values were calaulated for statistical analysis. Analysis of measured value was performed by 3 methods: (i) as a percentage average of the initial 3 loosening-torque values(initial loosening value) to the tightening torque of 32Ncm, (ii) as a percentage of the loosening torque value after a load of 200N(experimental value) to the initial loosening value, and (iii) as a percentage of the experimental value to the 32Ncm of tightening torque. The analyses shows the amount of initial loosening at the screw, loosening by repetitive load and the the final loosening value. Results: The results of this study were as follows (1) Percentage of initial loosening value to tightening-torque was increased in order of external hex, ARIPS-system and internal taper and all values between each groups showed statistical significance (p<0.05). (2) Percentage of experimental value to initial loosening value was increased in order of external hex, ARIPS-system and internal taper. Value of internal taper showed significant difference with those of external hex and ARIPS-system (p<0.05). (3) Percentage of experimental value to tightening torque was increased in order of external hex, ARIPS-system and internal taper and all values between each groups showed statistical significance (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of the analysis of the final loosening level value, which are closely correlated to clinical use, show that the ARIPS-system can be a useful means of minimizing abutment screw loosening when compared to the external hex type system. Although further clinical studies need to be made, the ARIPS-system should be considered to maximize the long-term success of the implant prosthesis.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.346-353
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• 2011

Purpose: The peri-implant soft tissue is remodeled by the initial marginal bone resorption affecting the prognosis and esthetic result of treatment. Thus various designs on implant neck design are studied to preserve peri-implant bone. The purpose of this study is to review on the causes of initial marginal bone resorption, the configuration of peri-implant soft tissue, and the implant crestal module favorable in preserving peri-implant tissue. Materials and methods: The studies on the causes of initial marginal bone resorption and the implant crestal modules are researched and reviewed using Pubmed database. The implant crestal modules including one piece and two-piece implant, internal and external hex abutment, taper and butt joint connection, scalloped design abutment, and platform switching concept are reviewed. Results: A number of clinical and experimental studies preferred one piece implant to two-piece in preserving initial peri-implant tissue. For two piece implants, internal hex abutment and taper joint connection appear more favorable than external hex abutment and butt joint connection relatively. Controversial issues still exist on scalloped design requiring more studies on it. Although the rationale is not certain, the concept of platform switching seems favorable in preserving initial peri-implant tissue based on clinical and experimental studies. Conclusion: Each implant crestal module contains its own advantages and disadvantages with various controversial issues. In the aspect of preservation of initial peri-implant tissue, however, one-piece implant seems beneficial. In cases when two-piece implant is more appropriate due to prosthodontic concerns or any other problems, the application of platform switching concept, internal connection abutment, and taper joint connection may be favorable for the preservation of peri-implant tissues.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.62-69
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• 2016

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of abutment screw length and cyclic loading on the removal torque (RTV) in external hex (EH) and internal hex (IH) implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Forty screw-retained single crowns were connected to external and internal hex implants. The prepared titanium abutment screws were classified into 8 groups based on the number of threads (n = 5 per group): EH 12.5, 6.5, 3.5, 2.5 and IH 6.5, 5, 3.5, 2.5 threads. The abutment screws were tightened with 20 Ncm torque twice with 10-minute intervals. After 5 minutes, the initial RTVs of the abutment screws were measured with a digital torque gauge (MGT12). A customized jig was constructed to apply a load along the implant long axis at the central fossa of the maxillary first molar. The post-loading RTVs were measured after 16,000 cycles of mechanical loading with 50 N at a 1-Hz frequency. Statistical analysis included one-way analysis of variance and paired t-tests. RESULTS. The post-loading RTVs were significantly lower than the initial RTVs in the EH 2.5 thread and IH 2.5 thread groups (P<.05). The initial RTVs exhibited no significant differences among the 8 groups, whereas the post-loading RTVs of the EH 6.5 and EH 3.5 thread groups were higher than those of the IH 3.5 thread group (P<.05). CONCLUSION. Within the limitations of this study, the external hex implants with short screw lengths were more advantageous than internal hex implants with short screw lengths in torque maintenance after cyclic loading.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.271-277
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• 2017

PURPOSE. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of implant connection design (external vs. internal) on the fit discrepancy and torque loss of zirconia and titanium abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Two regular platform dental implants, one with external connection ($Br{\aa}nemark$, Nobel Biocare AB) and the other with internal connection (Noble Replace, Nobel Biocare AB), were selected. Seven titanium and seven customized zirconia abutments were used for each connection design. Measurements of geometry, marginal discrepancy, and rotational freedom were done using video measuring machine. To measure the torque loss, each abutment was torqued to 35 Ncm and then opened by means of a digital torque wrench. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and t-test at ${\alpha}=0.05$ of significance. RESULTS. There were significant differences in the geometrical measurements and rotational freedom between abutments of two connection groups (P<.001). Also, the results showed significant differences between titanium abutments of internal and external connection implants in terms of rotational freedom (P<.001). Not only customized internal abutments but also customized external abutments did not have the exact geometry of prefabricated abutments (P<.001). However, neither connection type (P=.15) nor abutment material (P=.38) affected torque loss. CONCLUSION. Abutments with internal connection showed less rotational freedom. However, better marginal fit was observed in externally connected abutments. Also, customized abutments with either connection could not duplicate the exact geometry of their corresponding prefabricated abutment. However, neither abutment connection nor material affected torque loss values.