Effect of different geometric changes in the dental implant abutment body on the amount of residual excess cement and retention in a cemented implant-supported prosthesis

Background Fixed implant-supported restorations are mainly used in dental implantology. In comparison with screw-retained implants, cement-retained prostheses have the following advantages: the ease of splinting implants; increased passive casting; and procedural similarity to conventional tooth-supported fixed partial dentures. Furthermore, they show reduced fracturing of components with better esthetic outcomes and an improved force direction, along with a reduced cost and less chairside time. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different geometric changes in the dental implant abutment body on the amount of residual excess cement (REC) and the retention of cemented implant-supported prostheses. Material and methods Seventy-two straight abutments were categorized into 4 groups: vertical groove; 1 horizontal groove; 2 horizontal grooves; and ccontrol (with no geometric changes in the abutment). The access hole was partially filled and the cast copings were cemented using Temp-Bond™ NE, a non-eugenol cement. The difference in weight before and after removing the excess cement was considered as REC. Furthermore, the retention of the cast coping was measured as the force that was required to separate the cemented cast coping from the abutment. Results The mean REC values of the groups with 1 and 2 horizontal grooves were significantly different as compared to the control group (p Conclusions This study shows that the presence of 1 or 2 horizontal grooves in the abutment body significantly reduces the amount of REC in comparison with control.