Effect of cyclic loading on marginal fit of implant–abutment interface for three different connections with telescopic attachment: in‑vitro study

Objective The objective of this article was to evaluate the effect of dynamic cyclic loading on marginal fit at implant–abutment interface with three different implant connections using scanning electron microscope. Materials and methods Thirty implant fixtures were divided equally into three groups (N = 10): group I external hex fixture, group II internal hex fixture, group III conical hybrid fixture. Each fixture was vertically placed in the center of epoxy resin block using modified dental surveyor. Matched prefabricated titanium abutments were screwed to the implant and metal coping was adapted onto abutment. The samples were subjected to eccentric cyclic loading (at a distance 2–3 mm) away from center of abutment at three different intervals 10 000, 100 000, 500 000 cycles. Marginal fit was evaluated before and after each cycles by measuring microgap size in (μm) using scanning electron microscope with a magnification ×700. The values of microgap size in um before and after each cyclic loading were collected, tabulated and statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey’s post‑hoc test at 0.05 level of significance. Results After cyclic loading the microgap size was measured in all groups and high value was recorded to group I external hex connection 60.64 ± 4.3μm, while minimum value recorded to group III internal conical connections 0.94 ± 0.11 μm and internal hex connection in between 17.98 ± 2.07 μm. Two way analysis of variance showed significant effect upon marginal fit for both connection and cyclic loading. Conclusion The geometric factors of implant–abutment connection and dynamic cyclic loading have effect on marginal fit at implant–abutment interface. Internal conical connections showed a better marginal fit than internal and external hex connection so use of conical implants can be promoted as it has better sealing abilities compared to other systems.