![]() | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Summary: This in-vitro study was carried out on regular and switched platform implants inserted into epoxy resin blocks. The aim of the work was to compare strains transmitted to peri-implant region by strain gauge using different diameter platform switched implant- abutment connections. Thirty fixtures of the same lengths and diameters and abutments of the same lengths but of different diameters were used in this study making groups classified as: group (A): consists of 10 samples, Fixture diameter = 6 mm and abutment diameter = 6 mm (no platform switching). group (B): consists of 10 samples, Fixture diameter = 6 mm and abutment diameter = 4.5 mm (platform switching). group (C): consists of 10 samples, Fixture diameter = 6 mm and abutment diameter = 3.5 mm (platform switching). Identical blocks of epoxy resin material were fabricated and prepared by drilling holes in their centers to receive the implants. Two opposing parallel channels were made in epoxy resin blocks to receive the strain gauge rosettes which were cemented on the two opposing surfaces simulating the buccal and lingual surfaces of the jaw to be connected later to a digital strain meter. Loading device (LLOYD instrument) was used to apply ascending loads from 0 to 200 N on the abutment connected to the implant in both axial and non-axial directions and finally the microstrains were measured with digital strain-meter and recorded. The data was collected, tabulated and statistically analyzed by student T, ANOVA and Tukey’s analysis tests using SPSS software program. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro study we can conclude that: (1) Dental implants with platform switched implant-abutment connections transmit less strains to the surrounding structures when compared with regular platform implant-abutment connection. (2) By increasing the difference between the implant diameter and the abutment diameter at the implant-abutment connection area, in other words, by increasing the platform switching, the strains transmitted to the surrounding structure decreased. (3) The strains transmitted to the surrounding structures under non-axial loads are higher than that under axial loads. (4) Using platform switched implants decreases the stresses and strains on the peri-implant bone and consequently decreases late bone resorption and contributes in prevention of implant failure in the future with longterm success. |