• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.765-781
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to compare the screw loosening characteristics of three avail-able cementation type abutments: one-piece cementation type abutment; two-piece cementation type abutment using titanium abutment screw; two-piece cementation type abutment using gold abutment screw. Two implant supported three-unit superstructures were fabricated using a pair of 3 kinds of abutments for each experimental model. Cyclic loading was applied on the specimen, and made to stop when the superstructure showed movement over threshold range. The loaded cycle was counted until the machine stopped. Frequency analysis was done to measure the change of natural frequency before and after the application of cyclic load and to find the effect of screw loosening on the change of natural frequency. The specimen assembly was modeled to perform the finite element analysis to see the distribution of the stress induced by the application of preload over the screw joint and to compare the pattern of the distribution of stress induced by the external force with the change of the preload condition. The following results were obtained: 1. The failure loading cycle of two-piece cementation type abutment using gold screw was significantly greater than those of the other groups. 2. One-piece cementation type abutment applied to multi-unit restoration case did not show greater resistance to screw loosening compared to two-piece cementation type abutments. 3. Frequency analysis showed decrease in natural frequency when screw loosening occured.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.246-254
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• 2008

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The cast abutment has advantages of overcoming angulation problem and esthetic problem. However, when a gold-machined UCLA abutment undergoes casting, the abutment surfaces in contact with the implant may change. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the detorque values of prefabricated machined abutments with gold-premachined cast-on UCLA abutments before and after casting in two types of internal implant-abutment connection systems: (1) internal hexagonal joint, (2) internal octagonal joint. Furthermore, the detorque values of two implant-abutment connection systems were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty internal hexagonal implants with an 11-degree taper and twenty internal octagonal implants with an 8-degree taper were acquired. Ten prefabricated titanium abutments and ten gold-premachined UCLA abutments were used for each systems. Each abutment was torqued to 30 N㎝ according to the manufacturer's instructions and detorque value was recorded. The detorque values were measured once more, after casting with gold alloy for UCLA abutment, and preparation for titanium abutments. Group means were calculated and compared using independent t-test and paired t-test (${\alpha}$=0.05). RESULTS: The results were as follows: 1. The detorque values between titanium abutments and UCLA-type abutments showed significant differences in internal octagonal implants (P<0.05), not in internal hexagonal implants (P>0.05). 2. In comparison of internal hexagonal and octagonal implants, the detorque values of titanium abutments had significant differences between two connection systems on the initial analysis (P<0.05), not on the second analysis (P>0.05) and the detorque values of UCLA-type abutments were not significantly different between two connection systems (P>0.05). 3. The detorque values of titanium abutments and UCLA-type abutments decreased significantly on the second analysis than the initial analysis in internal hexagonal implants (P<0.05), not in internal octagonal implants (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Casting procedures of UCLA-type abutments had no significant effect on screw loosening in internal implant-abutment connection systems, and UCLA-type abutments showed higher detorque values than titanium abutments in internal octagonal implants.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.628-640
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• 2004

Statement of problem. Wear as a result of repeated closing/opening cycles may decrease the friction coefficient of screw head, threads, and other mating components and, consequently, resistance to opening gradually decreases. It may cause screw loosening, which is one of the most common failures in implant prosthesis. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the changes on the head and thread surface of the abutment screws after repeated closing and opening through the examination of tested screws in SEM(scanning electron microscope). Materials and methods. Five species of abutments were selected (3i-three, Avana-two) respectively by two pieces. The implant fixtures were perpendicularly mounted in liquid unsaturated polyesther(Epovia, Cray Valley Inc.) with dental surveyor. Each abutment was secured to the implant fixture by each abutment screw with recommended torque value using a digital torque controller. The abutment screws were repeatedly tightened and removed 20 times with a digital controller. FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscope, Netherland, Phillips co., model:XL 30 SFEG) was used to observe changes of each part caused by repeatedly closing/opening expeiment. First, the Photomicrographs of pre-test screws provided by each manufacturer were taken. The changes of each screw were investigated after every fifth closing and opening experiment with FESEM. Scaning electron microscope photomicrographs of each screw were taken four times. Results. As the number of closing and opening was increased, the wear or distortion of hexed or squared slot that contacted with the driver tip was more severely progressed. Wear or distortion of hexed slot was more severe than that of squared slot and it was more remarkable in the titanium screw than in the gold screw. All the tested screws showed that the width in the crest of their screw thread decreased gradually as the test was proceeded. Conclusions. Conclusively, we recommend the clinical use of gold screw, a periodic exchanges of abutment screws and avoiding repeated closing/opening unnecessarily. We also suggest a more careful manipulation of the abutment screw and screw-driver and using of abutment screw with an acute-angled slot design rather than an obtuse-angled one. Finally, it is suggested that the new slot design and the surface treatment for enduring wear or distortion should be devised.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.329-338
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• 2007

Purpose. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of TiN coating of abutment screw on the unscrewing torque. Material and methods. Titanium and Gold-Tite abutment screws were classified into two groups, Group A and C respectively, as control groups. Titanium abutment screws with TiN coatings were also classified into two groups, Group B and D, as experimental ones. Group A and B were tightened to 20 Ncm input torque, and Group C and D were tightened to 32 Ncm torque. Detorque values were measured with digital torque gauge during repeated closing and opening experiment. Results. Abutment screws with TiN coating (Group B and D) showed statistically significant higher mean detorque values than those of Group A and C. Discussion. Physical properties of TiN coating, such as low friction coefficient, high hardness and wear resistance, might contribute to higher detorque values. Conclusion. It is suggested that TiN coating of abutment screw help to reduce the risk of screw loosening and improve the stability of screw joint.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.46-52
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• 2014

PURPOSE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interface accuracy of computer-assisted designed and manufactured (CAD/CAM) titanium abutments and implant fixture compared to gold-cast UCLA abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS. An external connection implant system (Mark III, n=10) and an internal connection implant system (Replace Select, n=10) were used, 5 of each group were connected to milled titanium abutment and the rest were connected to the gold-cast UCLA abutments. The implant fixture and abutment were tightened to torque of 35 Ncm using a digital torque gauge, and initial detorque values were measured 10 minutes after tightening. To mimic the mastication, a cyclic loading was applied at 14 Hz for one million cycles, with the stress amplitude range being within 0 N to 100 N. After the cyclic loading, detorque values were measured again. The fixture-abutment gaps were measured under a microscope and recorded with an accuracy of ${\pm}0.1{\mu}m$ at 50 points. RESULTS. Initial detorque values of milled abutment were significantly higher than those of cast abutment (P<.05). Detorque values after one million dynamic cyclic loadings were not significantly different (P>.05). After cyclic loading, detorque values of cast abutment increased, but those of milled abutment decreased (P<.05). There was no significant difference of gap dimension between the milled abutment group and the cast abutment group after cyclic loading. CONCLUSION. In conclusion, CAD/CAM milled titanium abutment can be fabricated with sufficient accuracy to permit screw joint stability between abutment and fixture comparable to that of the traditional gold cast UCLA abutment.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.119-130
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• 2007

Statement of problem: A few dry lubricants were applied to abutment screws for the improvement of joint stability. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface change and fit of TiN-Coated abutment screw through the examination of tested screws in the field emission scanning electron microscope(FE-SEM;Netherland, Phillips co., model:XL 30 SFEG) after repeated closing and opening. Materials and method: Titanium(3i/implant Innovations Inc, USA) and Gold-Tite abutment screws(3i/implant Innovations Inc, USA) were selected for Group A and C respectively. TiN coated titanium abutment screws were also divided into two groups, Group B and D. Abutment screws of each group and the fit of abutment screw/implant fixture/abutment were observed on FE-SEM after repeated closing and opening test respectively. Results: 1. The abutment screws of TiN coated groups(Group B and D) showed more remarkable wear resistance in the threads of the screw than those of the other group(Group A and C). 2. There were more severe wear and defect of TiN coating in Group D tightened to 32 Ncm than Group B to 20 Ncm. 3. There was no difference in the fit of abutment screw/fixture/abutment among four groups, Group A, Group B, Group C and Group D. Conclusion: Under the conditions of this study, it is suggested that TiN coating of abutment screw be clinically acceptable and be expected to reduce the risk of abutment screw loosening. TiN coating of abutment screw showed good resistance against wear and the adequate fit of abutment screw/implant fixture/abutment.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.740-750
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• 2006

Statement of problems. In an attempt to reduce screw loosening, dry lubricant coatings such as pure gold or tefron have been applied to the abutment screw. However, under repeated tightening and loosening procedures, low wear resistance and adhesion strength of coating material produced free particles on the surface of abutment screw and increased frictional resistance resulting in screw tightening problems. Purpose. The aim of this study was to compare friction coefficient, adhesion strength, vickers hardness and evaluate coating surface of titanium alloy specimens coated with TiN(titanium nitride), ZrN(zirconium nitride) and WC(tungsten carbide). Material and method. Titanium alloy(Ti-6Al-4V) discs of 12mm in diameter and 1mm in thickness divided into 4 groups. TiN, ZrN and WC was coated for the specimens of 3 groups respectively, and those of 1 group were not coated. Each group was made up of 4 specimens. In this study, sputtering method was used among the PVD(Physical Vapor Deposition) techniques available for TiN, ZrN and WC coatings. Friction coefficient, adhesion strength, vickers hardness and coating surface of 4 groups were measured. Results. 1. For all three coating conditions, friction coefficient was significantly decreased. Especially, ZrN coated surface showed the lowest value. $TiN(0.39{\pm}0.02)$, $ZrN(0.24{\pm}0.01)$, $WC(0.31{\pm}0.03)$. 2. TiN coating showed the highest adhesion strength, however ZrN coating had the lowest value. $TiN(25.3N{\pm}1.6)$, $ZrN(14.8N{\pm}0.6)$, $ WC(18.4N{\pm}0.7)$. 3. Vickers hardness of all three coatings was remarkably increased as compared with that of none coated specimen. TiN coating had the highest Vickers hardness, however WC coating showed the lowest value. $TiN(1865.2{\pm}33.8)$, $ZrN(1814.4{\pm}18.6)$, $WC(1008.5{\pm}35.9)$. 4. The ZrN or WC coated specimen showed a homogeneous and smooth surface, however the rough surface with defects was observed for TiN coating. Conclusions. When TiN, ZrN and WC coating applied to the abutment screw, frictional resistance would be reduced, as a result, the greater preload and prevention of the screw loosening could be expected.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.793-800
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• 1997

Periotest(Siemens, Germany) has been used to test mobility of the implants clinically, however the effects of target materials and connection methods on the PTVs(Periotest Values) have not been evaluated. Periotest has been regarded as a reliable and objective tool to test implant and natural teeth mobility clinically, however this instrument showed different PTVs under various test conditions. This in vitro study was designed to compare PTVs of different veneering materials and prosthodontic designs (single and bridge restorations). To compare the effects of veneering materials on PTVs, 1 mm thickness of five different testing materials (porcelain, type III gold alloy, pure titanium, composite resin, acrylic resin) were placed on the resin block. Three full length of 13 mm Mark II implant fixtures were embedded into autopolymerizing resin block to fabricate single and bridge restorations. To evaluate effects of the connection method in single restorations, PTVs of screw retained(UCLA type) and cementation type(Cera-One system) were compared. Finally, to test reliability of PTVs of the final restorations, screw retained three unit short span PFM bridges were fabricated on the standard and Estheti-Cone abutments. All testing components were tightened with torque controller and PTVs of all specimens were measured 15 times for statistical analysis with SAS program. Following conclusions were made within the limit of this in vitro study. 1. PTVs of type III gold alloy, grade II titanium, composite resin veneering materials showed no significant differences, however acrylic resin and porcelain showed significant differences (P<0.05). 2. Single tooth restorations showed consistent PTVs as long as proper torque force was applied. 3. PTVs of bridge type prostheses was inconsistent regardless of abutment types. 4. PTVs of the prostheses showed higher scores and standard deviations than those of abutments regardless types of connection (P<0.05).

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.229-242
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• 2006

Statement of problem: In order to increase preload with reducing the friction coefficient, abutment screws coated with pure gold and Teflon as dry lubricant coatings have been introduced. But the reported data indicate that if screw repeated tightening and loosening cycle, an efficiency of increasing preload was decreased by screw surface wearing off. Purpose: This study was to evaluate the influence of tungsten carbide/carbon coating, which has superior hardness and frictional wear resistance, on the preload of abutment screws and the stability of coating surface after repeated closures. Material and method: The rotational values of abutment screws and the compressive forces between abutment and fixture were measured in implant systems with three different joint connections, one external butt joint and two internal cones. Moreover the stability and the alteration of coating surface were examined by comparison of the compressive force and the removable torque values during 10 consecutive trials, observation with scanning electron microscope and analyzed the elemental composition with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy Results and conclusion: 1. Application of coating resulted in significant increase of compressive force in all implant systems(P<.05). The increasing rate of compressive force by coating in external butt joint was gloater than those in internal cones (P<.05). 2. Coated screw showed the significant additional rotation compared to non-coated screw in all implant systems (P<.05). There were no significant differences in the increasing rate of rotation among implant systems (P>.05). 3. Removable torque values were greater with non-coated screw than that with coated screw (P<.05). 4. Coated screw showed insignificant variations in the compressive forces during 10 consecutive trials(P>.05) 5. After repeated trials, the surface layer of coated screw was maintained relatively well. However surface wearing and irregular titanium fragments were found in non-coated screw.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2023

The biocompatibility and durability of implant fixtures are major concerns for dentists and patients. Mechanical complications of the implant include abutment screw loosening, screw fracture, loss of implant prostheses, and implant fracture. This case report aims to describe management of a case of fixture damage that occurred after screw fracture in a tissue level, internal connection implant and microscopic evaluation of the fractured fixture. A trephine bur was used to remove the fixture, and the socket was grafted using allogeneic bone material. The failed implant was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), which revealed a fractured fixture with both normal and irregular bone patterns. The SEM and EDS results give an enlightenment of the failed fixture surface micromorphology with microfracture and contaminated chemical compositions. Noticeably, the significantly high level of gold (Au) on the implant surface and the trace amounts of Au and titanium (Ti) in the bone tissue were recorded, which might have resulted from instability and micro-movement of the implant-abutment connection over an extended period of time. Further study with larger number of patient and different types of implants is needed for further conclusion.