Abstract:

Objectives: The aim of the present in vitro study was to compare the saliva leakage degrees of 3 different implant-abutment interface configurations. Materials and Methods: Implant systems with 3 different implant-abutment interfaces; internal perpendicular hexagon (IPH) (n=10), 11-degree angle morse-taper (IMT) (n=10), and 1.5-degree-angle cold welding type joints (ICW) (n=10) were selected. Totally 30 implant-abutment specimens were obtained by connecting the abutments to relevant implants. Initial (dry) weights (g) of the specimens were measured, recorded and all specimens were stored into artificial saliva. Subsequent weight measurements were performed at the end of 1st day, 7th day and 30th day storage. Results: Significant weight differences were found both between experimental groups and between 4 weighting times within groups. Group ICW displayed significantly lowest weight difference values (lowest leakage) at all weighting times compared to groups IMT and IPH. Group IMT displayed higher but not significant weight difference values compared to group IPH at all weighting times. Conclusion: All tested systems displayed significant weight increases in each of the subsequent measurement times. Cold welding type implant-abutment configuration showed the lowest leakage values and was found the most suitable interface geometry for the minimization of leakage compared to other systems. Perpendicular hexagonal and morse taper type joint configurations displayed similar leakage values.

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