Accuracy of a proposed implant impression technique using abutments and metal framework

• Published in: The journal of advanced prosthodontics Vol. 2; no. 1; pp. 25 - 31
• Main Authors: Lee, Hyeok-Jae, Lim, Young-Jun, Kim, Chang-Whe, Choi, Jung-Han, Kim, Myung-Joo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: Metal framework; Implant; Abutment; Vertical gap; Angulation
• ISSN: 2005-7806; 2005-7814

PURPOSE. This study compared the accuracy of an abutment-framework (A-F) taken with open tray impression technique combining cement-on crown abutments, a metal framework and resin cement to closed tray and resin-splinted open tray impression techniques for the 3-implant definitive casts. The effect of angulation on the accuracy of these 3 techniques was also evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Three definitive casts, each with 3 linearly positioned implant analogs at relative angulations 0, 30, and 40 degrees, were fabricated with passively fitted corresponding reference frameworks. Ten impressions were made and poured, using each of the 3 techniques on each of the 3 definitive casts. To record the vertical gap between reference frameworks and analogs in duplicate casts, a light microscope with image processing was used. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test. RESULTS. The open tray techniques showed significantly smaller vertical gaps compare to closed tray technique (P < .05). The closed tray and the resin-splinted open tray technique showed significantly different vertical gaps according to the angulation of implant (P < .05), but the A-F impression technique did not (P > .05). CONCLUSION. The accuracy of the A-F impression technique was superior to that of conventional techniques, and was not affected by the angulation of the implants.