Study measures micro motion at implant-abutment interface

While initial micromotion depends predominantly on the fabrication accuracy achieved, long-term micromotion appears to be related primarily to wear phenomena at the implant-abutment interface.

Despite the clinical importance of micromotion phenomena at the implant-abutment interface, no universally valid method for quantifying this phenomenon has been described.

Key point

It cannot be predicted that a certain type of abutment will always lead to a certain level of micromotion. Relative displacement of components occurs at varying magnitudes. However, strict adherence to manufacturers’ guidelines with respect to tightening torque may help reduce implant-abutment micromotion. Because micromovement occurs during the initial phase of loading, it may be prudent to routinely retighten the abutment screws, which might have lost preload.

Authors

Dr. Matthias Karl, department of prosthodontics, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany; Dr. Thomas D. Taylor, department of reconstructive sciences, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Conn.

Purpose

Scientists aimed to establish a bio-mechanical approach to directly measure relative motion at the implant-abutment interface and to quantify micromotion in a variety of implant-abutment combinations. Geometry of the implant-abutment interface, fabrication method of the abutment, engagement of antirotational features, abutment material, tightening torque and type of manufacturer (original, clone) were investigated.

Materials and methods

Implant-abutment assemblies were fixed in a universal testing machine at a 30-degree angle. A cyclic load of 200 N (Newtons) was applied to the specimens 10 times at a cross head speed of 100 N/s while relative displacement between the implant and the abutment was quantified using extensometers. For five consecutive loading cycles per specimen, micromotion was recorded as a basis for statistical analysis. Comparative analysis was based on Welch tests.

Results

Investigated implant-abutment combinations produced a broad range of micromotion values. Researchers did not find perfect implant shoulder geometry or perfect fabrication technique that would result in undetectable micromotion. The values for micromotion at the implant-abutment interface ranged from 1.52 to 94.00 µm (micrometers).

Researchers found tightening torque significantly affected the level of micromotion when one specific abutment type was investigated.

Implant shoulder design did not reveal a significant effect in all cases. Lack of engagement of antirotational features of the implants resulted in increased micromotion, regardless of the implant system investigated.

Casting onto prefabricated gold cylinders resulted in abutments with significantly less micromotion as compared to copy-milled stock abutments. Computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) zirconia abutments showed less micromotion than CAD/CAM titanium abutments. Inconsistent levels of micromotion were recorded for CAD/CAM abutments coupled to proprietary and competing implant systems.

In most cases, the CAD/CAM abutments performed as well as stock abutments. Great variations in micromotion were found with clone abutments and clone implant systems.

More information

For a complete copy of the study and the JOMI November/December table of contents, visit www.osseo.org/NEWIJOMI.html. To join AO and begin receiving JOMI (bi-monthly) or obtain online access to JOMI, visit www.osseo.org/NEWmembershipApply.html.

This study was published in the November/December 2014 issue of The International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants (JOMI), the official journal of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO).