Derrick J. Setchell

An Analysis of the Effect of a Vent Hole on Excess Cement Expressed at the Crown–Abutment Margin for Cement‐Retained Implant Crowns

PURPOSEnThe labial margins of anterior implant-retained crowns are often positioned subgingivally for a superior esthetic appearance. One of the consequences of subgingival margins is the increased risk of leaving excess cement behind following cementation. This can lead to potential problems, including peri-implant inflammation, soft tissue swelling, soreness, bleeding or suppuration on probing, and bone loss. The purpose of this laboratory study was to investigate the effect of placement, location, and diameter of a vent hole on the amount of cement being expressed at the margin of an anterior implant abutment-retained crown.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnThree implant crown copings were fabricated to fit on the same custom abutment. Three vent diameters (0.75, 1.25, and 1.65 mm) and three locations on the palatal surface of the coping (cervico-palatally, mid-palatally, inciso-palatally) were chosen for vent hole placement. For each test, the coping was cemented onto the abutment under standardized conditions. A preweighed thin coating of cement was applied to the fit surface of the coping. The amount of cement expressed at the margin and vent hole was measured by weight and calculated as a proportion of the amount of cement placed in the coping before seating. The procedure was completed 15 times for each variable. The results were statistically analyzed using univariate ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni-adjusted independent samples t-tests.nnnRESULTSnThe presence of a vent hole influenced the proportion of cement expressed at the coping margin (p < 0.05). The location of a vent hole influenced the proportion of cement expressed at the coping margin (p < 0.05), with the exception of the mid-palatal and inciso-palatal positioning where there was no significant difference (p= 0.61) between groups. The diameter of the vent hole did not significantly influence the proportion of cement expressed at the coping margin (p= 0.096).nnnCONCLUSIONSnWhen using anterior cement-retained implant crowns, the use of a 0.75-mm mid-palatal or inciso-palatal vent hole to minimize the amount of cement expressed at the margin during cementation should be considered.

Properties of the tray adhesive of an addition polymerizing silicone to impression tray materials

Adhesive bond strength studies for the tray adhesive of an addition vinyl polysiloxane (President) impression material were conducted with an acrylic resin, chromium-plated brass, and plastic trays. Tensile and shear stress studies were performed on the Instron Universal testing machine. Acrylic resin specimens roughened with 80-grit silicon carbide paper exhibited appreciably higher bond strengths compared with different types of tray material and methods of surface preparation.

The effect of engaging the screw access channel of an implant abutment with a cement-retained restoration

PURPOSEnFactors affecting the retention of fixed prostheses to natural abutments are well understood. In contrast, little is known concerning the factors influencing the retention of fixed prostheses cemented to implant abutments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect that extending a casting into the screw access channel of an implant abutment has on the retention when cemented using Temp Bond.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnReplace Select Straight abutments received set modifications (buccal wall removal at 15 degrees , 22 degrees , and 30 degrees ) using a milling machine; controls were unmodified. Two castings were fabricated for each of the modified abutments, one with and one without an extension into the screw access channel. Following cementation with Temp Bond under standardized conditions, the castings were removed from the abutments using an Instron machine, and the peak removal force was recorded.nnnRESULTSnExtending the casting into the screw access channel significantly (p < 0.001) increased the peak load of removal. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between no modification and 30 degrees modification, 15 degrees and 30 degrees modification, and 22 degrees and 30 degrees modification in the groups when the casting extended into the abutment. In the group where the casting did not extend into the abutment, all groups were significantly different (p < 0.001) with the exception of 22 degrees and 30 degrees modification.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe increased load required to remove a casting that extends into the screw access channel of an implant abutment may compensate for loss in retention, which occurs through unfavorable modification of the abutment.