The micromechanical behavior of implant‐abutment connections under a dynamic load protocol

Background The implant‐abutment connection (IAC) is known to be a key factor for the long‐term stability of peri‐implant tissue. Purpose The aim of the present in vitro study was to detect and measure the mechanical behavior of different IACs by X‐ray imaging. Materials and Methods A total of 20 different implant systems with various implant dimensions and IACs (13 conical‐, 6 flat‐, and 1 gable‐like IAC) have been tested using a chewing device simulating dynamic and static loading up to 200 N. Micromovements have been recorded with a high‐resolution, high‐speed X‐ray camera, and gap length and gap width between implant and abutment have been calculated. Furthermore, X‐ray video sequences have been recorded to investigate the sealing capacity of different IACs. Results Out of the 20 implant systems, eight implant systems with a conical IAC showed no measurable gaps under static and dynamic loading (200 N). By contrast, all investigated implant systems with a flat IAC showed measurable gaps under dynamic and static loading. X‐ray video sequences revealed that a representative conical IAC had sufficient sealing capacity. Conclusion Within the limits of the present in vitro study, X‐ray imaging showed reduced formation of microgaps and consecutive micromovements in implants with conical IAC compared to flat IACs.