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Statement of Problem: Straight preparable abutments provide an alternative to titanium bases (Ti-bases) for single-unit screw-retained implant-supported restorations. However, the debonding force between crowns with a screw access channel cemented to preparable abutments and Ti-bases of different designs and surface treatments is unclear., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the debonding force of screw-retained lithium disilicate implant-supported crowns cemented to straight preparable abutments and Ti-bases of different designs and surface treatments., Material and Methods: Forty laboratory implant analogs (Straumann Bone Level) were embedded into epoxy resin blocks that were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10 each) according to the abutment type used: CEREC group, Variobase group, airborne-particle abraded Variobase group, and airborne-particle abraded straight preparable abutment group. All specimens were restored with lithium disilicate crowns and cemented with resin cement to the corresponding abutments. They were thermocycled (from 5 to 55 °C for 2000 cycles) followed by cyclic loading (120 000 cycles). The tensile forces required to debond the crowns from the corresponding abutments were measured (N) by using a universal testing machine. The Shapiro-Wilk test of normality was used. Comparison between the study groups was done with 1-way ANOVA (α=.05)., Results: Tensile debonding force values were significantly different according to the type of abutment used (P<.05). The highest retentive force value was recorded in the straight preparable abutment group (928.1 ±222.2 N) followed by the airborne-particle abraded Variobase group (852.6 ±164.6 N), and the CEREC group (498.8 ±136.6 N); the lowest value was reported in the Variobase group (158.6 ±85.2 N)., Conclusions: The retention of screw-retained lithium disilicate implant-supported crowns cemented to airborne-particle abraded straight preparable abutments is significantly higher than to non-surface treated Ti-bases and similar to airborne-particle abraded ones. Abrading abutments with 50-mm Al 2 O 3 significantly increased the debonding force of the lithium disilicate crowns., (Copyright © 2023 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A technique for the application of a virtual articulation system in 3-dimensional digital smile design (DSD) during esthetic restoration is described. To acquire stable occlusion and a smooth jaw movement pattern without premature contacts or interference, a digital facebow and a virtual articulator were used to collect and analyze a patient's occlusal data and jaw movement information. The original pattern of occlusal contacts and jaw movements were diagnosed as stable and copied to the digital design of the new prostheses. Preparation of the abutments, crown lengthening surgery, and definitive crown fabrication and cementation were performed according to the design. After 9 months, the occlusion remained stable, and the patient was satisfied with the outcome., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Implant abutment fractures are an uncommon mechanical complication, and the removal of the abutment fragment and replacement with a new prosthesis is the best solution. However, successful retrieval of the fractured abutment fragment from the implant is challenging, and effective rescue kits are lacking. This clinical report describes the retrieval of a fractured implant abutment in a conical connection implant using a modified manufacturer-specific instrument., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Photogrammetry has been reported to be a reliable digital alternative for recording implant positions; however, the factors that may impact the accuracy of photogrammetry techniques remain unknown., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the influence of the implant reference on the accuracy of complete arch implant scans acquired by using a photogrammetry system., Material and Methods: An edentulous cast with 6 implant abutment analogs (MultiUnit Abutment Plus Replica) was obtained and digitized by using a laboratory scanner (T710; Medit). A photogrammetry system (PIC System) was selected to obtain complete arch implant scans. An optical marker (PIC Transfer, HC MUA Metal; PIC Dental) was positioned on each implant abutment of the reference cast. Each optical marker code and position was determined in the photogrammetry software program. Three groups were created based on the implant reference selected before acquiring the photogrammetry scans: right first molar (IPR-3 group), left canine (IPR-11 group), and left first molar (IPR-14 group) (n=30). Euclidean linear and angular measurements were obtained on the digitized reference cast and used to compare the discrepancies with the same measurements obtained on each experimental scan. One-way ANOVA and the Tukey tests were used to analyze the trueness data. The Levene test was used to analyze the precision values (α=.05 for all tests)., Results: One-way ANOVA revealed significant linear (P=.003) and angular (P=.009) trueness differences among the groups tested. Additionally, the Tukey test showed that the IPR-11 and IPR-14 groups had significantly different linear (P<.001) and angular trueness (P<.001). The Levene test showed no significant precision linear (P=.197) and angular (P=.235) discrepancies among the groups tested. The IPR-3 group obtained the highest trueness (P<.001) and precision (P<.001) values among the groups tested., Conclusions: Implant reference impacted the accuracy of complete arch implant scans obtained by using the photogrammetry system tested. However, a trueness ±precision linear discrepancy of 6 ±3 µm and an angular discrepancy of 0.01 ±0.01 degrees were measured among the groups tested; therefore, the impact of the discrepancy measured should not be clinically significant., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: A 3-dimensionally (3D) printed 3-unit interim fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) undergoes inward polymerization shrinkage to the pontic region, leading to nonuniform internal fit and improper accuracy. Whether axial wall thickness influences accuracy is unclear., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to analyze the axial internal fit and failure load associated with a hollow pontic design of varying wall thicknesses in stereolithography (SLA) 3D printed 3-unit interim FDPs., Material and Methods: A master model for a 3-unit interim FDP with 2 implant abutments was designed. Two master models were produced by using milling and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). Sixty SLA 3D printed specimens were produced with a hollow pontic design of 4 wall thicknesses (solid and 2.5, 2.0, and 1.5 mm). Fifteen milled specimens were produced with a solid pontic design. The axial internal fit in the coronal section was measured in terms of intaglio and cameo mid-axial wall areas relative to the abutments by using microcomputed tomography (μCT). The failure load was measured by using a universal testing machine at a loading rate of 1 mm/minute. For statistical analysis, parametric tests were performed (α=.05). Horizontal μCT sections were compared qualitatively, and failure patterns were categorized among groups., Results: The hollow pontic designs with 2.0- and 1.5-mm wall thicknesses presented significantly lower mean intaglio mid-axial gaps than the solid pontic design (P<.001) and similar intaglio and cameo mid-axial gaps in the horizontal μCT sections. The hollow pontic design with the 2.0-mm wall thickness had a significantly higher mean failure load than that with the 1.5-mm wall thickness (P<.001) and a statistically similar mean failure load to that of the solid pontic design (P=.549). As the wall thickness of the hollow pontic decreased from 2.5 to 1.5 mm, the ratio of pontic fracture to complete fracture of the prosthesis increased., Conclusions: For SLA 3D printed 3-unit interim FDPs, axial internal fit was enhanced by the application of an appropriate hollow pontic design. Considering both the structural strength and fit, a hollow pontic design with a 2.0-mm wall thickness should be selected., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Implant abutment screw loosening is the most common prosthetic complication of implant-supported single crowns. However, few studies have objectively evaluated the effectiveness of different tightening protocols on reverse tightening values (RTVs)., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the optimal tightening protocol for implant abutment screws with different screw materials., Material and Methods: Sixty implants from 2 implant systems (Keystone and Nobel Biocare) with different definitive screw materials were selected. One group used diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated screws (DLC Group), and the other used titanium nitride (TiN) screws (TiN Group). Each group consisted of 30 implants. The implants in each group were distributed randomly into 3 subgroups (n=10). The implants from both manufacturers were mounted in resin blocks by following a clinical component connection protocol: a cover screw was placed, then an impression coping, and finally an original manufacturer prefabricated abutment. The abutment screws were tightened to the manufacturer's recommended tightening value using 3 different protocols: tighten the screw once (1T); tighten the abutment screw to the recommended tightening value, wait 10 minutes, and then retighten (2T); and tighten the abutment screw to the recommended tightening value, countertighten, tighten, countertighten, and then tighten (3TC). RTVs were measured after 3 hours. The Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to test for normal distribution of the data. The Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to each system's group that was not normally distributed (P<.05). Where differences existed, a post hoc analysis using the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Flinger (DSCF) pairwise comparisons test was conducted., Results: No significant differences were found among the 3 different tightening groups in the TiN group (P>.05). However, significant differences were found among the 3 different tightening protocols in the DLC group (P<.05)., Conclusions: Abutment screw systems from different manufacturers behave differently with respect to how they are tightened. For the TiN screw group, statistically similar RTVs were found for the 3 tightening protocols. The most efficient tightening protocol for the DLC-coated screw was the 3TC-DLC., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: The biomechanical stability of the implant-prosthesis assembly and its maintenance under function is a determining factor in the success of implant prosthesis rehabilitation, but studies of different angular tapers are lacking., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the axial displacement and torque loss of prosthetic abutments with Morse-type connections of different angular tapers after thermomechanical cycling by using microcomputed tomography (µCT) and a digital torque wrench., Material and Methods: Eighteen Ø3.5×11.5-mm implants were embedded in polyvinyl chloride cylinders, and the 3 different types of abutments (n=6) with angular tapers of 11.5 degrees - Alvim Cone Morse (ACM-11.5), 16.0 degrees - Helix Gran Morse (HGM-16), and 24.0 degrees - Nobel Replace Conical Connection (NRC-24) were installed with the torque recommended by the manufacturers. To calculate the axial displacements of the abutments about the implants, zirconia maxillary canine crowns were fabricated using a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) system and cemented onto the abutments. Before and after thermomechanical cycling, the assemblies were scanned using microtomography (micro-CT) to assess axial displacement, and the torque losses were calculated after the abutments were finally unscrewed. A load of 100 N, frequency of 2 Hz, and 10 6 cycles with temperature variation of 5 °C to 55 °C were used for the thermomechanical cycling. Analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc test (α=.05) were used for analysis., Results: A significant difference was observed between the abutments for axial displacement, measured after thermomechanical cycling (P=.002). The ACM-11.5 abutment showed the highest mean value (134.1 ±58.7 µm), different from HGM-16 (63.3 ±26.1 µm) (P=.013) and NRC-24 (42.7 ±8.7 µm) (P=.002); the 2 latter groups were similar to each other (P=.618). For the torque losses, no significant difference was found among the abutments (P=.928), but there were significant differences for the thermomechanical cycling (before and after) (P<.001) in that the loss of torque was greater after thermocycling., Conclusions: The smaller the taper angle of the Morse-type prosthetic abutment, the greater its axial displacement, and the thermomechanical cycling significantly reduced pretorque, regardless of taper., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Digital scans for single crowns have been reported to achieve accuracy similar to that of traditional impressions in certain patients, but criteria for acquiring high-quality scans are lacking., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the optimal gingival displacement widths, finish line depths, and preparation designs for single crowns when using intraoral scanners (IOSs) to achieve clinically acceptable and high-quality recordings., Material and Methods: Three different preparation designs of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) abutments (round shoulder, shoulder, and sloped shoulder) were fitted with titanium sleeves of 4 different thicknesses (0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.5 mm) and magnetically attracted onto the spindle of an electronic spiral micrometer. Occlusal registration material was injected around the abutment to simulate gingival tissue. After setting, the titanium sleeves were removed to create gaps as different gingival displacement widths. The spiral micrometer was rotated to create 5 different finish line depths (supragingival 0.5 mm, equal gingiva, subgingival 0.5 mm, subgingival 1.0 mm, and subgingival 1.5 mm). Two IOSs (CEREC Primescan [PS] and TRIOS 3 [TS]) were used to scan 3 preparation designs with a combination of 4 gingival displacement widths and 5 finish line depths 5 times each (N=600). The files were imported into an engineering software program and superimposed with the corresponding reference scanned files of the original abutments. Tangent distances (TD) and marginal angle differences (MAD) between the testing groups and references were measured and analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests (α=.05)., Results: A significant linear trend of decreasing TD and MAD with increasing gingival displacement widths and shallower finish line depths was found. Statistically significant differences (P<.05) were found in TD and MAD between different preparation designs at finish line depths that were equigingival and 0.5-mm subgingival., Conclusions: Clinically acceptable scans generally required a gingival displacement width of at least 0.3 mm and a finish line depth within subgingival 1.0 mm. Both IOSs produced high-quality scans for supragingival finish lines. Both IOSs required at least 0.4-mm gingival displacement width to achieve high-quality scans under equal gingival conditions. Only PS with at least 0.4-mm gingival displacement width was able to achieve high-quality scans for subgingival margins. The accuracy ranking of preparation designs was round shoulder (highest), shoulder, and sloped shoulder (lowest)., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Abutment screw fracture is a mechanical complication associated with the failure of dental implant-supported restorations. Retrieval of fractured abutment screws without damaging the internal surface of implants is challenging and can be time-consuming. Microtube extraction devices are used to remove separated endodontic instruments. This article presents a conservative method of retrieving a fractured implant abutment screw using a microtube device., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Zirconia abutments have become popular as they provide favorable esthetic outcomes. However, studies investigating how abutment material affects abutment screw torque performance and implant conical surface morphological changes in internal conical connection systems are scarce., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of abutment material on abutment removal torque and implant conical surface morphological changes in internal conical connection implant-abutment assemblies of 2 diameters after simulated long-term oral use., Material and Methods: Thirty abutments of 3 materials (1-piece titanium, 1-piece zirconia, zirconia with alloy base) and 2 diameters (regular, narrow) made by the original manufacturer were connected to internal conical connection implants and subjected to a standardized artificial aging process consisting of thermal cycling and mechanical cyclic loading with parameters corresponding to anterior and posterior mastication scenarios simulating long-term oral use. An abutment removal torque test was done before and after aging. Morphological changes in the implant conical contact surface were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Initial and after-aging torque loss values were calculated and analyzed separately with 1-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc tests (α=.05)., Results: All specimens survived artificial aging. For initial and after-aging torque loss, the 1-piece zirconia groups showed significantly greater values (P<.001) for both diameters. In the SEM observation, the 1-piece zirconia groups showed distinct widespread surface damage while the other groups exhibited only minor damages., Conclusions: Regardless of diameter, 1-piece zirconia abutments tend to induce more abutment removal torque loss and implant conical surface morphological changes than those with metal connections, both initially and after simulated long-term oral use. Zirconia abutments with an alloy base performed similarly to 1-piece titanium abutments., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Studies on the biomechanics of obturators in the currently used designs of Aramany class I defect are lacking. Also, modifications of the designs presently used in unilateral palatal defects are needed to produce a prosthesis with more retention and less stress on the abutments., Purpose: The purpose of part I of this study was to differentiate among Aramany class I obturators of 4 designs regarding retention and associated stress using numerical and experimental methods., Material and Methods: Four finite element models and 36 different base obturators were fabricated and divided into 9 acrylic resin bases retained with Adams clasps and 9 linear, 9 tripodal, and 9 fully tripodal design obturators from casts obtained from a scanned skull. After modification, the prostheses were fabricated on the casts obtained from a 3-dimensionally printed cast. The retention was evaluated, and the data were collected and analyzed using a statistical software program (α=.05). The displacement and associated stress in the assorted casts were compared by using 5-N displacing force at 3 points using finite element analysis. The quantitative assessment was made by measuring the displacement and von Mises stress distribution on the prostheses and their supporting structures. The qualitative analysis was done by using a visual color mapping to depict stress location and intensity., Results: No significant differences were found between fully tripodal (4.478 ±2.303 MPa) and tripodal obturators (4.478 ±2.286 MPa; P=.153), although fully tripodal showed more resistance to anterior displacement (4.522 ±0.979 and 3.553 ±1.58 MPa for fully tripodal and tripodal designs, respectively; P=.007), and tripodal obturators produced more resistance to middle displacement (5.441 ±1.778 and 2.784 ±0.432 MPa for tripodal and fully tripodal design respectively; P=.001). The fully tripodal obturator showed more retention (3.736 ±1.182 MPa) than the linear one (2.493 ±1.052 MPa; P=.001). The maxillary central incisor was the most stressed abutment, followed by the lateral incisor, while the second molar was the least., Conclusions: Regarding retention, the fully tripodal obturator produces retention comparable with the tripodal and significantly more than the linear. Acrylic resin prostheses retained with Adams clasps may be similar to metal-based prostheses regarding retention and stress distribution on the supporting structures., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Several additively and subtractively manufactured resin-based materials indicated for interim and definitive fixed dental prostheses have been launched. However, knowledge of the bond strength of these materials to different implant abutment materials is limited., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of additively and subtractively manufactured resin-based materials to different implant abutment materials., Material and Methods: One hundred and ten disk-shaped specimens (Ø3×3 mm) were fabricated either additively from 2 resins indicated for definitive use (Crowntec; AM&#95;CT and VarseoSmile Crown Plus; AM&#95;VS) and 1 resin indicated for interim use (FREEPRINT temp; AM&#95;FP) or subtractively from a nanographene-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (G-CAM; SM&#95;GC) and a high-impact polymer composite (breCAM.HIPC; SM&#95;BC). After allocating 2 specimens from each group for scanning electron microscope evaluation, the specimens were divided according to the abutment material (CopraPeek; polyetheretherketone, PEEK and Dentium Superline Pre-Milled Abutment; titanium, Ti) (n=10). All specimens were airborne-particle abraded with 50-µm aluminum oxide. After applying a resin primer (Visio.link) to PEEK and an adhesive primer (Clearfil Ceramic Primer Plus) to Ti specimens, a self-adhesive resin cement (PANAVIA SA Cement Universal) was used for cementation. All specimens were stored in distilled water (24 hours, 37 °C), and a universal testing device was used for the SBS test. SBS data were analyzed with 2-way analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant difference tests, while the chi-squared test was used to evaluate the difference among the abutment-resin pairs in terms of failure modes (α=.05)., Results: The interaction between the material type and the abutment type and the main factor of material type affected the SBS (P<.001). SM&#95;BC-PEEK and SM&#95;GC had the lowest SBS followed by SM&#95;BC-Ti, whereas AM&#95;VS-PEEK had the highest SBS (P≤.001). AM&#95;CT-Ti had higher SBS than AM&#95;FP-PEEK (P=.026). SM&#95;GC had the lowest and AM&#95;VS had the highest SBS, while AM&#95;CT and AM&#95;FP had higher SBS than SM&#95;BC (P≤.004). The distribution of failure modes was significantly different among tested material-abutment pairs, and only for AM&#95;CT among tested materials (P≤.025). Most of the material-abutment pairs had a minimum of 80% adhesive failures., Conclusions: Regardless of the abutment material, additively manufactured specimens had higher bond strength and one of the subtractively manufactured materials (SM&#95;GC) mostly had lower bond strength. The abutment material had a small effect on the bond strength. Adhesive failures were observed most frequently., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Several protocols have been used with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) prostheses after image-guided implant surgery based on a prosthetically driven surgical plan. For delayed approaches, a CAD-CAM custom healing abutment can be manufactured before the surgery and installed immediately after implant placement. However, information on the use of emergence profile segmentation on which to base the digital design and on the use of low-cost 3-dimensional printers to produce custom healing abutments are lacking. The purpose of this article was to present a fully digital workflow to digitally design and 3-dimensionally print custom healing abutments with a biocompatible light-polymerizing resin based on the natural emergence profile of the tooth to be replaced., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Unscrewing the healing abutment can affect the soft tissue integration and apical migration of the biological width, which may compromise the integrity of peri-implant soft tissue., Purpose: The purpose of this clinical study was to determine the level of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) detected in the peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) between the test group (1-time abutment) and control group (healing abutment) for implant-retained mandibular overdentures., Material and Methods: Two dental implants were installed in the canine regions of the mandibular ridge of 18 healthy completely edentulous participants using 2-stage surgery and a delayed loading protocol. At the second stage surgery, the implant on the right side was exposed, and a healing abutment was screwed onto the implant (control group), while on the left side the definitive ball abutment was screwed onto the implant (test group). After 10 days, the healing abutment in the control group was unscrewed and replaced with the definitive ball abutment. For both groups, the ball attachment was directly picked up to incorporate the attachment house to the mandibular denture. PICF samples were collected from the participants at 7 days, 3 months, and 6 months after overdenture use. Statistical analysis was done with an independent samples t test (α=.05)., Results: A significant difference was found in the volume of PICF and the level of GAG between the test and control groups at the 7-day evaluation period (P=.008, P=.002, respectively), while the volumes of PICF and the levels of GAG were not significantly different (P>.05) at the other evaluation periods., Conclusions: The 1-time abutment protocol offers biochemical and economic advantages compared with the conventional method of using the healing abutment before placement of the definitive attachment for an implant-retained overdenture with single attachments., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: The use of a scannable healing abutment is a convenient option for fabricating implant-supported restorations (ISRs) with a digital workflow; however, clinical studies evaluating prosthetic efficacy are lacking., Purpose: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the prosthetic efficacy of definitive posterior single ISRs fabricated after scanning using a scannable healing abutment-scan peg (SHA-SP) in comparison with a conventional scan body (CSB). The time for data acquisition, quality of proximal and occlusal contacts, and relative occlusal force of ISRs were measured., Material and Methods: Twenty-four participants eligible for single ISRs to replace the mandibular first molar with adjacent and antagonist teeth present were randomly allocated to either a study group (n=12) receiving ISRs after intraoral scanning using an SHA-SP or a control group (n=12) receiving ISRs after intraoral scanning using CSB. During the surgical procedure, a prefabricated contoured scannable healing abutment was screwed to the implant in the SHA-SP group, while a custom-made healing abutment was used in the CSB group. After a healing period of 3 months, an intraoral scan was made, and the duration of data acquisition was recorded. The ISRs were milled from zirconia and evaluated for the quality of proximal and occlusal contacts using dental floss and shim stock, respectively. The relative occlusal forces of the ISRs and their contralateral natural teeth were measured using a digital occlusal analyzer. Statistical analysis was done using an independent sample t test for quantitative variables and a Pearson chi-squared test for qualitative variables between the tested groups (α=.05)., Results: The direct digital workflow using SHA-SP was statistically less time consuming than the CSB (P<.001). The 2 groups were statistically similar regarding the quality of the proximal contacts (P=.281) or occlusal contacts (P=.307) and the relative occlusal forces of ISRs (P=.315). The relative occlusal forces of the ISRs in both groups were significantly lower than those of their contralateral natural teeth (P<.001)., Conclusions: Direct digital workflow using SHA-SP was more rapid, saving clinical chairside time, and produced proximal and occlusal contacts of comparable quality with those obtained with CSB. The relative occlusal forces of ISRs in both workflows were lower than their contralateral natural teeth., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Various options are available to allow angle correction for screw-retained restorations for malaligned implants, including angled abutments, angled screw channel abutments, and angled implants. However, the effect these angle correction components have on prosthetic screw loosening is unclear., Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effect of angled abutments, angled screw channel abutments, and angled implants on prosthetic screw loosening., Material and Methods: This manuscript followed the Preferred Reporting Items for the Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Searches were performed through 31 December 2021 in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science with no year limit targeting in vitro studies evaluating the effect of angulation correction components on screw loosening., Results: A total of 460 articles were identified. After removing duplicates, 306 titles were screened. Nine of the remaining 36 articles selected for full-text analysis met the selection criteria. The qualitative analysis used data from 394 implants. All studies featured straight abutments as the control group, and, in 8 studies, the angle correction component was included on the level of the abutment. Only in 1 study was the angle correction component at the level of the implant. The angle correction of the prosthetic component varied from 0 degrees in all studies up to a maximum correction of 30 degrees. Statistically significant increases in screw loosening with increasing abutment angle correction were reported by multiple authors (P<.05). However, other articles reported nonsignificant differences in screw loosening because of angulation after cyclic loading (P>.05). The only study investigating angle correction at the implant level found significantly less screw loosening (P<.05) in the angled implant group compared with the nonangled implant group., Conclusions: Several options are available to correct discrepancies between the surgical axis and the ideal prosthetic axis for rehabilitations supported by dental implants. The current evidence does not clearly indicate the superiority of any single solution for minimizing screw loosening., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Custom healing abutments are important in establishing optimal esthetics for prosthesis-driven, implant-supported restorations. This report demonstrates a technique for constructing a custom healing abutment with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing to save chairside time and provide predictable results., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Early tightening torque at the implant-healing abutment interface is a recognized concern in implant treatment. However, little is known regarding the effects of toothbrushing methods on the interface established between the implant and healing abutments of different heights., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different toothbrushing methods on tightening torque for healing abutments of different heights., Material and Methods: A total of 60 implants (Bilimplant; Proimtech) were embedded in epoxy resin blocks. The following 6 test groups were established: healing abutments with manual toothbrush group (Oral B Pro Expert All in one; Oral B) and 4 mm height (MTB-4, (which served as the control); 6 mm height (MTB-6, which served as the control); sonic toothbrush group (Philips Sonicare 3100 Series; Philips Oral Healthcare) and 4 mm height (S-4); 6 mm height (S-6); oscillating/rotating toothbrush group (Oral B Smart 6 6000N; Oral B) and 4 mm height (OR-4) and 6 mm height (OR-6). Each specimen was tightened to 15 Ncm and brushed. The digital torque meter (Cap Torque Tester Series TT01; Mark10) was used to calculate the reverse torque values., Results: The highest torque loss value in the average torque losses in the test groups was 1.3 (OR-6); the lowest was 0.3 (S-4). While a significant difference was found between groups S-4 and S-6 (P=.018), no statistically significant difference was found among the other groups (P>.05)., Conclusions: Torque loss was greater in the healing abutment with a height of 6 mm and with the oscillatory and rotational brushing method., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Fracture or carious lesions in an abutment tooth may require the fabrication of a crown under an existing removable partial denture. Typically, once the crown has been fabricated, the prosthesis will need to be modified or refabricated. However, if the partial denture is in good clinical condition, special techniques may be applied to make the new crown fit the existing prosthesis. This article describes a straightforward indirect-direct technique for fabricating a cast metal crown under an existing removable partial denture with hot water. The technique does not require expertise or any special device and can be performed chairside by general dentists., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Fractured prosthetic implant screws cannot be removed in all patients, ultimately leading to the removal of the implant. Whether an intentionally shortened prosthetic implant screw (SPIS) can provide adequate retention is unclear., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the resistance to loosening of SPISs engaging the remaining coronal internal threads as a possible solution to maintaining both implant and restoration., Material and Methods: Fifty grade V titanium SPISs were used to tighten 50 titanium transepithelial abutments on implants to 30 Ncm. The specimens were distributed into 5 groups (n=10) according to the conditions under which the screws were secured to manufacturer-recommended preload: dry (D), moistened in saliva (AS), moistened in chlorhexidine (CLHX), wrapped in polytetrafluoroethylene tape (PTFE), and resin cemented (RE). All groups were subjected to a cyclic loading test (240 000 cycles). The reverse torque value (RTV) of the SPIS was registered twice: 24 hours after initial tightening (T1); and after retightening and the cyclic loading test (T2). The resultant RTV was compared with the 30-Ncm tightening torque to assess torque loosening. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used for the comparisons between groups and the Wilcoxon test for the intragroup comparisons (α=.05 with Bonferroni correction)., Results: At T1, all groups found lower mean±standard deviation RTVs than the reference tightening torque (30 Ncm) (D 24.82±2.34 Ncm, AS 25.56±2.89 Ncm, PTFE 26.02±2.26 Ncm, CLHX 26.26±1.82 Ncm), except the resin-cemented group, which increased its RTV (RE 44.01±19.94 Ncm). At T2, all the groups found lower RTVs than the reference tightening torque, and the torque values at T1 (D 19.81±6.59 Ncm, CLHX 18.98±6.36 Ncm, AS 21.28±7.32 Ncm), with the exception of PTFE (24.07±3.41 Ncm) and RE (41.47±21.68 Ncm), where RTV was similar to that recorded at T1. At T1, significant differences were found among the groups (P=.024). At T2, after cyclic loading, the RE group found the highest RTV, reporting significant differences with the D and CHLX groups (P<.05) and statistically similar to the AS group (P=.068)., Conclusions: PTFE-wrapped screws found similar RTVs after the fatigue test than dry, moistened with saliva, and moistened with chlorhexidine screws. Resin-cemented shortened prosthetic implant screws were found to be the most resistant to loosening after cyclic loading., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Digital scanning is gradually replacing conventional impression making, but consensus on how tooth preparation influences the accuracy of intraoral scanning is lacking., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of substrate material and abutment geometry on the accuracy of digital casts obtained by intraoral scanning., Material and Methods: The height and total occlusal convergence (TOC) angle were measured in 5 different groups that contained 5 specimens of different materials: natural tooth, cobalt chromium alloy, titanium, zirconium dioxide ceramic, and resin. The specimens were scanned with an industrial scanner to obtain reference data. Each specimen was placed in a maxillary standard dentition model that was assembled in a head simulator. Each dentition model was scanned 10 times with an intraoral scanner (IOS) under operatory lighting conditions to acquire intraoral scanning files for each specimen. All data were imported into a metrology software program and processed. A total of 10 trueness deviations, the mean superimposition results between IOS scanning data and reference data, and precision deviations, the mean superimposition results between IOS scanning data in pairs, were recorded. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey multiple comparison test were used to analyze the accuracy of intraoral scanning in relation to the height or TOC angle of the abutment (α=.05). The total means of each substrate material were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn test for multiple comparisons., Results: The accuracy of scanning images was related to material and abutment geometry (P<.05). Bias was larger as abutment height increased with most substrates. Larger TOC angles increased the accuracy of the digital scans. The trueness deviation of translucent materials and the precision deviation of reflective materials were generally larger., Conclusions: Substrate material and abutment geometry influence the accuracy of intraoral scanning. The accuracy of IOS generally tended to improve with decreasing height and increasing TOC angle and was affected by different substrates., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Whether the replacement of a missing tooth with a fixed partial denture supported by an endodontically treated abutment could be improved with 1-piece endodontic crowns is unclear., Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the mechanical behavior of a fixed partial denture (FPD) according to the preparation of the abutment teeth (1-piece endodontic crown or complete crown) in terms of stress magnitude in the prosthesis, cement layer, and tooth., Material and Methods: A posterior model with 2 abutment teeth (first molar and first premolar) was modeled with a computer-aided design (CAD) software program for conducting a 3-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). To replace the missing second premolar, the model was replicated in different possible FPDs according to the abutment preparation design (complete crown [Conventional], 2 1-piece endodontic crowns [EC]) or a 1-piece endodontic crown on one of the abutment teeth (first molar [ECM] and first premolar [ECP]) for a total of 4 designs. All FPDs were in lithium disilicate. The solids were imported to an analysis software program (ANSYS 19.2) in the standard for the exchange of product data (STEP) format. The mechanical properties were considered isotropic and the materials to show linear elastic and homogeneous behavior. An axial load (300 N) was applied at the occlusal surface of the pontic. The results were evaluated by colorimetric stress maps of von Mises and maximum principal stress in the prosthesis, maximum principal stress and shear stresses on the cement layer, and maximum principal stress in the abutment teeth., Results: The von Mises stresses revealed that all FPD designs behaved similarly and that, considering the maximum principal stress criteria, the pontic was the most stressed region. For the cement layer, the combined designs presented an intermediate behavior, with the ECM more suitable to reducing the stress peak. The conventional preparation allowed less stress concentration in both teeth, and higher stress concentration in the premolar was observed with a 1-piece endodontic crown. The 1-piece endodontic crown decreased the risk of fracture failure. Considering the risk of debonding failure for the prosthesis, the 1-piece endodontic crown preparation was only able to decrease the failure risk when the EC design was used and when only the shear stress was considered., Conclusions: Performing 1-piece endodontic crown preparations to retain a 3-unit lithium disilicate FPD is an alternative to conventional complete crown preparations., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This technique enables the establishment of an accurate reciprocation distance to resist undesirable forces on abutments and ensure the parallelism of removable partial denture placement on the guide template by using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture techniques and to ensure accurate abutment preparation., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Optimal implant stability and preventing complications such as screw loosening are paramount concerns for implant-supported prostheses. However, studies examining the influence of various internal connection designs on detorque values and removal forces, critical aspects of implant success, are lacking., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the impact of the shape and design of the internal connection in tissue-level and bone-level implants on the detorque value and the force required for abutment removal from the implant., Material and Methods: Forty dental implants were securely mounted in 10×6×20-mm acrylic resin blocks positioned perpendicular to the surface. The implants were divided into 4 groups (n=10): bone-level SM Torx, tissue-level PSI Torx, bone-level UF Hex, and tissue-level UF Hex implants. After exposure to a dynamic loading test at 31.2 N, 2 Hz and 10 6 cycles, measurements were made of both detorque values and removal forces. Statistical analyses, including 1-way ANOVA with a post hoc Tukey test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, were conducted to assess the results (α=.05)., Results: The differences in detorque values among the 4 groups were statistically similar (P=.087). In terms of removal force values, tissue-level PSI implants exhibited the highest values, while bone-level UF implants had the lowest values, with significant differences in the removal forces among the 4 groups (P<.001). Pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences among the groups (P<.001), except for the comparison between tissue-level PSI and bone-level SM implants (P=.108)., Conclusions: While detorque values remain consistent across implant types, the shape and design of the internal connection of implants has a significant impact on the removal force required for abutment detachment from the implant., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: When scanning implant abutments, an incomplete scan is often obtained because of a subgingival location or restricted accessibility. Whether these problems can be overcome with a novel scanning technique with digital superimposition of the custom abutment is unclear., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of the process of superimposing the custom abutment library data onto the scanned abutment data on the accuracy of the digital scan with an intraoral scanner., Material and Methods: A model with a single implant was prepared. The custom abutment of the corresponding implant was produced and was scanned with a laboratory scanner to produce the custom abutment library data. The custom abutment was connected to the implant, and the model was scanned with a laboratory scanner for the reference data. The custom abutment and adjacent teeth were scanned 10 times with an intraoral scanner. Thus, 10 files were saved as the first test group (IOS). After transferring 10 files of the group IOS to a computer-aided design (CAD) software program (exocad DentalCAD), the custom abutment library data were superimposed on the corresponding abutments, and the results were saved as the second test group (S-Exo). For the third test group (S-Den), the same superimposing process was performed as for the group S-Exo but by using another CAD software program (Dental System). The accuracy of the files of the 3 test groups was evaluated by comparing them with the reference file by using a 3D inspection software program. Statistical analysis was performed with 1-way repeated measures ANOVA (α=.05)., Results: The RMS of the IOS group decreased significantly from 42.1 ±1.1 μm to 36.37 ±0.74 μm for the S-Exo group and 36.89 ±0.69 μm for the S-Den group after superimposition (P<.05). InTOL increased significantly from 88.17 ±0.75% to 91.57 ±0.56% in the S-Exo group and 91.31 ±0.56% in the S-Den group (P<.05). For the mean 3D discrepancy of all 66 points along the margin and 16 points of interest, the IOS group showed significantly higher discrepancy than the superimposed groups (P<.05), implying that the accuracy of scanned data with the intraoral scanner increased after superimposition with the abutment library data. No significant difference was found according to the type of software program (P>.05)., Conclusions: The process of superimposing the titanium custom abutment with the prescanned custom abutment library data improved the accuracy of a digital scan made with an intraoral scanner., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Implant-supported crowns made in both fully and partially digital workflows have been evaluated, but these studies have been mainly performed in vitro. Moreover, data on the comparison of clinical fitting and adjustment time for implant-supported crowns are limited., Purpose: The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical fit and adjustment time for implant-supported crowns produced by a partially and fully digital workflow in partially edentulous participants., Material and Methods: Twenty-eight participants who had received 2 adjacent implants in posterior sites were enrolled, each receiving 2 custom titanium abutments and a splinted monolithic zirconia restoration. Restorations of the control group (n=14) were produced from a digital scan and a cast-free digital workflow, while the restorations of the test group (n=14) were from a conventional impression and a partially digital workflow. A blinded investigator delivered the restorations. The clinical adjustment was performed incrementally, and a digital chronometer recorded the time required for the evaluation and adjustment at each step. An independent t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and the Fisher exact test were used to evaluate the results (α=.05)., Results: The total mean adjustment time in the control group (12.49 minutes) was significantly longer than that of the test group (11.27 minutes) (P<.001). For the occlusal contact points, significantly less clinical adjustment time was required with the cast-free digital workflow (5.31 minutes) than with the model-based partially digital workflow (6.06 minutes) (P=.001). On other surfaces, no significant difference was found between the 2 groups (P>.05). All crowns could be successfully delivered after 2 clinical appointments (impression and delivery). Remakes were not necessary for any restorations in the test or control group., Conclusions: The parameters of occlusal adjustment time and total adjustment time of the fully digital workflow were significantly shorter than those of the partially digital workflow., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: The connector height and retainer occlusal thickness of fixed partial dentures (FPDs) may affect restoration longevity., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine and compare the fracture resistance of 4-unit monolithic 5% yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (5Y-TZP) FPDs made with different connector heights and retainer occlusal thicknesses after thermomechanical aging., Material and Methods: Forty test metal dies were duplicated from a master metal die containing 2 anatomic abutment preparations of the mandibular right first premolar and second molar for a 4-unit FPD. The dies were divided into 2 groups of 20 each for the fabrication of 4-unit FPDs, with 2-mm and 4-mm uniform connector heights at all 3 connectors, resulting in 6.3-mm 2 and 12.6-mm 2 connector areas. Each of these groups was further divided into 2 subgroups based on the occlusal thickness of the 2 retainers of 1 mm and 2 mm (n=10). Polyvinyl siloxane impressions of the test metal dies were made and poured in Type V dental stone. Laboratory scans were performed on all the stone dies, and 40 5Y-TZP FPDs (Ceramill Zolid FX) were designed and fabricated. Subsequently, all the FPDs were luted on to the metal dies with a self-adhesive resin cement. The FPDs were preloaded (400 000 mechanical cycles; 4000 thermocycles) using a mastication simulator and tested for axial compressive strength. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the effect of connector and occlusal thicknesses on the fracture load (α=.05). The data were further assessed using the post hoc Tukey HSD multiple comparison test (α=.05)., Results: The mean fracture load values were between 737 N and 1563 N. Significant differences in the mean fracture load were found between the connector heights (601 N; P<.001) and occlusal thicknesses (225 N; P=.002), but the interaction of the 2 factors was not significant (P=.132) The Tukey post hoc analysis showed significant differences between the connector thicknesses groups (P<.01), but the occlusal thicknesses were found to be similar for the same connector height (P=.609) CONCLUSIONS: Connector height and occlusal retainer thickness influenced the fracture load of 4-unit monolithic 5Y-TZP FPDs after thermomechanical aging., (Copyright © 2024 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A method for the digital articulation of complete arch digital implant scans using the implant abutment prosthetic interfaces is described. This technique provides an effective and efficient method for articulating digital scans without the need for matching soft tissue references or fiduciary markers. This allows for a streamlined workflow with fewer intraoral scans and can provide a precise replication of the intaglio surface and emergence profile of an existing restoration., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Loss of retention is a clinical complication for fixed partial dentures (FPDs). However, a method sensitive enough to measure the early retention loss of FPDs is lacking., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro and finite element analysis (FEA) study was to determine whether resonance frequency analysis (RFA) with a newly developed system can detect lack of FPD retention caused by cement loss., Materials and Methods: Two evaluation methods were used: RFA of an in vitro model of a 3-unit FPD from the second premolar to the second molar and FEA by using a simplified model. The in vitro model was used to evaluate 4 connecting conditions: both crowns cemented, only the premolar crown cemented, only the molar crown cemented, and both crowns uncemented. Tapping stimulation (16 impulsive forces, 4 Hz) was directly applied to the buccal side of the second molar or the second premolar, and an attached 3D accelerometer sensor was used to record the resonance frequency (RF) of the tapped tooth. The amplitude, frequency, Q-value, and total area under the curve (AUC) of the RF values in the buccolingual direction were compared between connecting conditions. The FEA was done by using a simplified model of a 3-unit FPD with similar connecting conditions as the in vitro model study, and the RF amplitude and frequency of each tooth were calculated. Statistical evaluation included 1-way analysis of variance and the Tukey HSD test to compare the differences among each connecting condition under each parameter for measurement sites on the molar and the premolar, respectively (α=.05)., Results: For both the molar and premolar measurements in both the in vitro and FEA models, when the measurement site was on the uncemented tooth, the amplitude of RF-1 increased, the Q-value of RF-2 decreased, and the area under the curve increased (P<.05)., Conclusions: The same 3 trends found between the measurement sites of the in vitro study and FEA indicated that RFA may be useful for detecting an FPD with loosening caused by cement loss, even partial cement loss., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Screw loosening is the most common mechanical complication with implant prostheses. How the alteration of implant-to-abutment connection surfaces that occurs during laboratory procedures affects screw loosening is unclear., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the reverse tightening value (RTV) differences between custom castable abutments before casting, after casting in a conventional manner, and after casting with custom protector caps and pegs., Material and Methods: Thirty implants with a standard-diameter conical connection (NobelReplace Conical Connection 4.3×13 mm; Nobel Biocare AG) and 30 premachined 4.3-mm GoldAdapt abutments (GoldAdapt; Nobel Biocare AG) were selected for this study. Specimens were divided into 3 groups (n=10): the uncast custom castable abutment group (UCCA) in which abutments were new and not cast; the unprotected custom castable abutment group (UPCCA) in which abutments were cast and devested with airborne-particle abrasion; and the protected custom castable abutment group (PCCA) in which abutments were cast by using protector caps and pegs made by milling zirconia and then devested with airborne-particle abrasion. All abutments in each group were tightened to 35 Ncm with a calibrated digital tightening device. After 10 minutes, all screws were retightened to 35 Ncm. At 3 hours, each screw was loosened, and the value at which the initial loosening occurred was documented as the RTV. The results were statistically analyzed with 1-way ANOVA to explore differences, and post hoc tests with Tukey adjustment were used for multiple comparisons., Results: Among the tested groups, the mean RTV ranged from 19.89 Ncm to 27.19 Ncm: UCCA 27.19 Ncm, UPCCA 19.89 Ncm, and PCCA 24.24 Ncm. A significant difference was found among the tested groups (P<.05)., Conclusions: Casting procedures, especially devestment with airborne-particle abrasion, affected implant-abutment connections and the seat site of the screw. Protecting the implant connection site and the seat site of the abutment screw with protector caps and pegs prevented a significant loss of the RTV., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Zirconia has become popular for dental implant abutments in the esthetic zone but can damage the implant connection interface. Studies have been conducted to compare zirconia abutments with conventional titanium abutments; however, a consensus or systematic review is lacking., Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the performance of abutments made of zirconia and titanium in relation to wear and misfit at the implant-abutment interface., Material and Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science) were independently searched by 2 researchers for relevant studies published up to June 2021. The population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) question was "Do zirconia abutments cause greater wear at the implant-abutment interface than titanium abutments under occlusal forces?" Eligible studies included in vitro studies that evaluated changes in the surface of external and/or internal connections and single and/or multiple, screwed and/or cemented prostheses rehabilitated with titanium and zirconia abutments submitted to mechanical cycling., Results: Nine studies were included for qualitative analysis. A total of 172 specimens were analyzed, 86 zirconia and 86 titanium abutments. In terms of wear on the implant connection surface, zirconia abutments caused more severe wear, more scratches, and more rounding of the hexagonal angles at the implant connection interface than titanium abutments. In terms of misfit at the connection interface, zirconia abutments showed greater misfit than titanium abutments., Conclusions: Zirconia abutments produce more wear at the titanium implant connection interface, titanium abutments showed better fit to the implant connection interface, and the fit can be influenced by the abutment manufacturing method., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Prosthesis fit is 1 of the main factors influencing the success and survival of an implant-supported screw-retained restoration. However, scientific validation of the performance of engaging and nonengaging components in a fixed partial denture (FPD) and the effect of their combinations on the fit of FPDs is lacking. The screw resistance test has been used for the fit assessment of screw-retained FPDs. However, objective assessments by using analog and digital devices are now available., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of engaging and nonengaging components on the fit of screw-retained frameworks, supported by 2 conical connection implants with simulated vertical and horizontal misfits, by performing 2 different screw resistance tests (analog and digital)., Material and Methods: Thirty 2-implant-supported bar-shaped zirconia frameworks cemented on two 2-mm titanium bases were fabricated and divided into 3 groups (n=10) according to different abutment combinations: both engaging, engaging and nonengaging, both nonengaging. The fit of each framework was tested on the control cast and on 6 definitive casts simulating 50-, 100-, and 150-μm vertical and 35-, 70-, and 100-μm horizontal misfit levels. The abutment screws were tightened on each implant, and the screw rotation angle was measured both digitally, with a custom-made digital torque wrench and a computer software program, and conventionally, with an analog torque wrench and protractor. Clearly ill-fitting specimens were excluded. The data were statistically analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey post hoc test (α=.05)., Results: Both engaging specimens on the 100-μm horizontal misfit group and on all vertical misfit groups were clearly ill-fitting and excluded. Statistically significant differences among groups with different combinations of abutments were found (P<.05). The engaging abutments had a higher angle of rotation than the nonengaging abutments on all casts. In the horizontal misfit group, both engaging specimens had the highest angle of rotation, followed by engaging and nonengaging and both engaging specimens. In the vertical misfit group, the engaging and nonengaging specimens had the highest angle of rotation on the side of the engaging abutment. The angle of rotation increased with the increasing level of misfit., Conclusions: Both nonengaging frameworks showed superiority in misfit tolerance, as the angle of rotation was lower than that of the engaging and nonengaging and both engaging frameworks. Conventional and digital torque wrenches showed similar results., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: When an abutment screw fractures, there is no standardized technique for retrieving it from the intaglio of the dental implant., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the relative efficacy of a commercially available screw fragment retrieval kit with a range of standard dental instruments in regard to success and retrieval time. In addition, the effects of other variables on the success rate of screw fragment retrieval and the retrieval time required were also investigated. Finally, the integrity of the intaglio screw channel of the dental implant was also assessed following retrieval., Material and Methods: The abutment screws from 4 dental implant systems: Osseotite Certain, Ø4.1 mm (Zimmer Biomet); Osseotite External hexagonal connection micromini, Ø3.25 mm (Zimmer Biomet); Standard Plus Tissue Level, Ø4.8 mm (Institut Straumann AG); and Brånemark Mark III TiUnite, Ø4.1 mm (Nobel Biocare) had notches placed between the first and second coronal threads before being placed in their respective abutments, positioned in the dental implants (n=128), and tightened until the screws fractured. The dental implant specimens were placed in maxillary and mandibular casts at the lateral incisor and first molar sites on both sides. The casts were placed in mannequin heads on a dental chair and assigned to 2 experienced and 2 inexperienced operators who used 2 different retrieval kits to retrieve the screw fragments. Chisquared tests were used to determine the association between the success rate of screw fragment retrieval and the other factors recorded (α=.05), and a binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between the retrieval event and all of the independent variables. Regression models were developed to determine the factors effecting retrieval time., Results: An overall success rate of 88.3% was achieved for screw fragment retrieval. No statistically significant difference (P>.999) was found in the relative efficacy of the retrieval kits. Univariate analysis identified a statistically significant association (P<.01) in the success of abutment screw fragment retrieval between the Osseotite Certain and the Osseotite External hexagonal connection micromini implant systems. Gamma regression analysis identified significant differences between the time taken to retrieve the screw fragments and the type of dental implant (P<.001), (P<.01). The time taken to retrieve screw fragments in the maxillary arch was significantly longer than for the mandibular arch (P<.05)., Conclusions: The commercially available screw fragment retrieval kit and the standard dental instruments were equally effective in retrieving the screw fragments. Less time was required to retrieve screw fragments in the mandibular arch than the maxillary arch. The level of experience of the operator had no effect on the ability to successfully retrieve fractured abutment screws., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Fatigue failure of implant components is a common clinical problem. Plasma nitriding, an in situ surface-strengthening method, may improve fatigue properties of dental implants., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of plasma nitriding on the fatigue behavior of implant systems., Material and Methods: The preload and friction coefficient of plasma nitrided abutment screws, as well as settlement of the implant-abutment interface, were measured. Then, the reverse torque values and pullout force were evaluated after cyclic loading. Finally, the fatigue properties of the implant system were investigated with static fracture and dynamic fatigue life tests, and the morphology of the fracture on the surface of the implant system was observed., Results: The plasma nitriding treatment reduced the friction coefficient; increased the preload, settlement value, reverse torque values, pullout force, and static fracture load; and prolonged fatigue life. Furthermore, abutment screws with plasma nitriding treatment showed a different fatigue fracture mode., Conclusions: Plasma nitriding improved mechanical performance and may be a suitable way to optimize the fatigue behavior of dental implants., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A novel design of removable partial dentures (RPDs) is described wherein custom abutments are incorporated into the RPD framework. The artificial teeth and custom abutments are designed by using a computer-aided design (CAD) software program. Subsequently, the RPD framework is designed and merged to the custom abutments in the CAD software program to form a single unit. This modified framework is additively manufactured in metal by using a 3D printer. Thereafter, the framework is adapted to the definitive cast and scanned by using a laboratory scanner. The scanned file is imported into the CAD software program, and the artificial teeth are redesigned. After fabricating each artificial tooth from a polymethylmethacrylate disk and artificial tooth and denture-base assemblies from a wax disk, the RPD is injection molded. This RPD design and fabrication workflow enables a top-down approach by prioritizing the shape and arrangement of the artificial teeth and facilitates their replacement., (Copyright © 2022 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: The bonding of implant-supported prostheses is determined by abutment material, convergence angle, height, surface treatment, and luting agents. However, studies evaluating the bonding of luting agents to titanium base abutments with different heights under fatigue conditions are scarce., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the retention of zirconia crowns bonded with different luting agents to titanium base abutments of different heights before and after fatigue testing., Material and Methods: Zirconia crowns were designed, milled, and distributed into 4 experimental groups according to the luting agents (G-Multi Primer/G-Cem LinkForce [MP/GC] and Scotchbond Universal/RelyX Ultimate [SU/RU]) and titanium base abutment heights (2.5 mm and 4 mm) (n=10). Pull-out testing was performed in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until crown displacement. Fatigue testing was performed by an electric precision fatigue simulator (1×10 6 cycles; 100 N; and 15 Hz), followed by pull-out testing of fatigued specimens. Collected data were statistically evaluated by using a linear mixed model after post hoc comparisons by the least significant difference test (α=.05)., Results: Luting agents, abutment heights, and fatigue influenced the bonding retention of zirconia crowns to titanium base abutments. SU/RU agents promoted higher pull-out compared with MP/GC for both abutment heights before and after fatigue. Higher abutment height increased pull-out regarding lower abutment height for SU/RU materials before and after fatigue testing. Although fatigue had no significant effect on the pull-out of MP/GC, lower bond retention was observed for SU/RU after fatigue, regardless of abutment height., Conclusions: Luting agent composition and the interaction with abutment height and fatigue influenced the retention of zirconia crowns to titanium base abutments., (Copyright © 2023 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Technical complications, including abutment fracture, are a clinical reality. After retrieving failed components, re-establishing a reliable implant-abutment connection is essential, but recommendations on how to clean the interface are lacking., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate different clinical debridement strategies for removing titanium powder from an implant-abutment interface with regard to their efficacy and associated risk of damaging the interface., Material and Methods: Specimens (n=5) were assembled from previously cut implant halves, which were then contaminated by placing titanium powder inside the implant-abutment connection. Activated rinsing, airflow, and an ultrasound scaler, as well as combinations thereof, were then used to clean the implant-abutment connections. Both parts of each specimen were rated under a light microscope with respect to contamination and damage. In addition, abutments were placed in intact implants (n=10), which had previously been contaminated and cleaned, to record torque curves and abutment stability. Statistical analysis of ratings was based on Kruskal-Wallis tests and the Nemenyi All Pairs test with single-step P value correction, while abutment stability and torque were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey HSD tests (α=.05)., Results: Erythritol as an abrasive medium led to significantly greater contamination than the scaler (P=.002), activated rinsing (P=.021), and airflow with sodium bicarbonate combined with either conventional (P=.002) or activated rinsing (P=.007). Greater damage was also observed with erythritol because of accumulations of the abrasive media, while scratches were seen after scaler application. Airflow using sodium bicarbonate in combination with activated rinsing showed the lowest level of damage (versus scaler P=.030). Using conventional (P=.010) or activated (P=.029) rinsing, airflow treatment led to a significant reduction in contamination. The scaler led to a significant decrease in abutment stability (P=.048), while activated rinsing and the combination of airflow and activated rinsing did not significantly affect abutment stability. Abutments placed in implants previously contaminated and cleaned required greater torque as compared with original implants (versus activated rinsing, P=.009)., Conclusions: Activated rinsing constituted the best technique for cleaning implant-abutment connections. Cleaning efficiency can be enhanced with airflow using sodium bicarbonate as an abrasive medium., (Copyright © 2023 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Custom-made angled LOCATOR abutments have been used to compensate for the angulation of implants placed to support removable prostheses; however, their retention forces and the impact of mastication loading on retention have yet to be well addressed., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the retention force of custom-made LOCATOR abutments for implants placed at 0-, 15-, and 30-degree angulations with prefabricated abutments and to investigate the effect of mastication load on retention., Material and Methods: Implant analogs were placed at the first molars of 40 maxillary typodonts, and 40 LOCATOR abutments were fabricated. Twenty implant analogs were placed at 0 degrees, 10 of which received prefabricated LOCATOR abutments and 10 of which received custom abutments. The remaining 20 implant analogs were placed at 15- and 30-degree angulations (n=10), and custom LOCATOR abutments were fabricated on them. A denture analog was digitally designed and manufactured from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) billets. Metal housings were then picked up using PMMA. The specimens were subjected to 2 rounds of 120 000 cycles of mastication loading. Retention force was assessed before and after each round of mastication loading using a universal testing machine. The wear of nylon inserts before and after mastication loading was accessed with a digital stereomicroscope. A 2-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey HSD test was used to determine the impacts of LOCATOR abutment type and times of mastication loading on the retention forces of the denture base (α=.05)., Results: No significant difference in retention forces was found between prefabricated LOCATOR and custom abutments (placed at 0-, 15-, and 30-degree angulations) regardless of mastication loading (P>.05). The retentive force values of all groups increased significantly after the first round of mastication loading and decreased significantly to the initial level after the second round of mastication loading (P<.05)., Conclusions: Mastication loading impacted the retention force of both prefabricated and custom LOCATOR abutments; however, no significant difference in retention forces was found among various types of abutments., (Copyright © 2023 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Screw access channels that emerge on the facial aspect of anterior screw-retained implant crowns can compromise esthetics. Recently, angled screw channels (ASCs) have been developed that can alter screw access channel angulations to improve esthetics. While ASCs can be used on narrow-diameter implants, information is limited on the loss of abutment screw torque on narrow-diameter implants with ASCs., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the loss of abutment screw torque after thermocycling and the cyclic loading of ASCs from 3 different companies connected to narrow-diameter implants., Material and Methods: A total of 40 narrow-diameter implants (NobelReplace Conical Connection 3.5×11.5 mm) were mounted individually in acrylic resin blocks and divided equally into 4 groups. The first group, NB-0 (Control), consisted of screw-retained zirconia crowns fabricated on ASCs at 0-degree angulation (n=10). The other 3 groups consisted of a total of 30 screw-retained zirconia crowns fabricated on ASCs at 20-degree angulation: NB-20 (Angulated Screw Channel Solutions), ATL-20 (Atlantis Custom Base Solution with angulated screw access), and DA-20 (Dynamic TiBase). Each crown was secured on the mounted implant with its corresponding titanium base insert and screw and then tightened to the manufacturer's recommended torque with a digital torque gauge. The initial reverse torque value (RTV I ) was obtained and recorded at baseline. Subsequently, a new set of screws were tightened to recommended values, and each specimen underwent thermocycling and then cyclic loading at 0 to 100 N at 10 Hz for 1 million cycles to simulate 1year of functional loading. After cyclic loading, the final reverse torque values (RTV F ) were recorded and compared with the RTV I to evaluate the percentage torque loss (PTL F ). Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis analysis, Rank base analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and the Tukey HSD post hoc comparisons (α=.05)., Results: Significant differences were found for the PTL F among all groups after cyclic loading (P<.001). The PTL F in ATL-20 (51.4%) was significantly higher than in NB-0 (22.2%) (P<.001) and NB-20 (29.2%) (P=.010). No significant difference was found in the PTL F among other groups (P>.05)., Conclusions: The abutment screw torque loss after cyclic loading of the ASCs on narrow diameter implants among the 4 groups did not perform comparably. The largest percentage torque loss was recorded for the ATL-20 group. The NB-20 group demonstrated the lowest percentage torque loss. DA-20 showed percentage torque loss less than ATL-20; however, its RTV F was the lowest., (Copyright © 2023 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Implant manufacturers have introduced titanium base (Ti-Base) abutments with increased abutment heights, ostensibly, to increase the retention of the bonded restoration and to improve overall strength. However, evidence regarding the effects of increasing Ti-Base height on improving retention is lacking., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different Ti-Base abutment heights on the retention of zirconia implant-supported crowns., Material and Methods: Thirty Ti-Base abutments of the same diameter and heights of 3.5 mm (n=10), 4.5 mm (n=10), and 5.5 mm (n=10), were used for testing. Zirconia restorations were cemented onto the Ti-Base abutments with a resin cement after treatment with a 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate primer by a single operator using a positioning device. The zirconia-Ti-Base restorations were tightened to an implant analog embedded in an autopolymerizing resin block. The specimens were placed and tested in a universal testing machine for pull-out testing. Retention was measured by recording the force at load drop. Statistical analysis was performed using 1-way analysis of variance with the Tukey method for pairwise comparisons., Results: The abutment height had a significant effect on retention (P=.010). Ti-Base abutments of 4.5 and 5.5 mm had significantly greater retention than Ti-Base abutments of 3.5 mm (P=.020, P=.040, respectively). However, Ti-Base abutments of 4.5 and 5.5 mm in height were statistically similar (P=.890)., Conclusions: An increase in the height of Ti-Base abutments above the standard 3.5 mm height significantly improved the retention of the overlying restoration., (Copyright © 2023 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Titanium base (TiBase) abutments to restore an implant-supported single crown are available in different gingival heights, but information on the biomechanical effects of the gingival heights is lacking., Purpose: The purpose of this nonlinear finite element analysis study was to evaluate the effects of TiBase gingival heights on the biomechanical behavior of custom zirconia (CustomZir) abutments and TiBase, including von Mises stress and maximum and minimum principal stress., Material and Methods: TiBases with different gingival heights (0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2 mm) with internal hexagon Morse taper connections were simulated in 3-dimensional models. The simulations (ANSYS Workbench 2020; ANSYS Inc) included the OsseoSpeed EV implant (Ø5.4 mm) (AstraTech; Dentsply Sirona), restoration, and surrounding bone in the mandibular first molar region. An occlusal force of 200 N was applied with a 2-mm horizontal offset toward the buccal side and a 30-degree inclination from the vertical axis., Results: High-stress concentration was observed in the uppermost internal connection area on the buccal side and the antirotational part of the titanium abutment on the lingual side in all models. CustomZir abutments with a shorter gingival height exhibited larger concentrated areas of volume average stress von Mises stress and higher magnitude of maximum and minimum principal stress compared with a taller gingival height., Conclusions: A TiBase abutment with a taller gingival height reduced the fracture risk of a CustomZir abutment without increasing any mechanical risk., (Crown Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Misfits in the abutment-prosthesis interface represent a setback for implant-supported prostheses. Periapical radiographs have been used as an auxiliary method in the evaluation of prosthesis fit to the abutments; however, the evidence supporting the use of this method is still restricted to studies of low to moderate quality. Furthermore, studies on the diagnostic accuracy of different periapical techniques used to detect misfits in the abutment-prosthesis interface, especially in the esthetic zone, are lacking., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the discrimination power of 3 periapical radiographic techniques in detecting misfits at the abutment-prosthesis interface in the esthetic zone and evaluate whether the magnitude of the misfit influenced the diagnosis., Material and Methods: A total of 15 implants with an internal conical connection were installed in the central incisor region in polyamide jaws. Custom ceramic copings for cemented crowns were made by using a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) system. Misfits of 50, 100, and 150 µm were simulated by interposing 1, 2, or 3 50-μm-thick polyester strips at the abutment-prosthesis interface; the absence of the strip represented the control group. Digital radiographs were obtained by using film holders for the following periapical techniques: bisecting angle (PBA), standard paralleling (PSP), and modified paralleling (PMP). Two radiologists and 1 prosthodontist evaluated a total of 180 radiographs. The values of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) were regarded as a measure of diagnostic accuracy and subjected to the Friedman test with post hoc Durbin-Conover (α=.05)., Results: The PSP (Az=0.873) had higher Az values than the PBA (Az=0.753) for the 50-μm misfits (P<.05). Larger misfits resulted in greater accuracy than smaller misfits (P<.05). Interactions between the factors radiographic technique and misfit magnitude resulted in statistically significant differences for all comparisons (P<.05), except between the PSP for the 100-μm misfits (Az=0.976) and the PMP for the 150-μm misfits (Az=0.998)., Conclusions: The PSP was more accurate than the PBA in detecting the 50-µm misfits at the abutment-prosthesis interface; larger misfits resulted in more accurate diagnoses, regardless of the technique used., (Copyright © 2023 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A mesiodistal angle frequently forms between 2 splinted implant-supported, screw-retained fixed dental prostheses (TIS-FDPs). Mechanical complications commonly occur in prosthetic screws. Studies regarding the effect of the degree of implant angulation on the biomechanical performance of prosthetic screws in TIS-FDPs are sparse., Purpose: The purpose of this numerical and experimental study was to investigate the effects of different implant angulations on the biomechanical performance, including stress distribution, stability of the screw joint, and surface morphology change of the prosthetic screws in TIS-FDPs., Material and Methods: TIS-FDPs were classified into 4 groups: 0, 10, 20, and 30 degrees based on the degree of mesiodistal angle between the long axes of the 2 implants. In the finite element analysis (FEA), 4 series of 3D models were constructed and loaded with simulated occlusal forces. The von Mises stresses and rotational angles of the prosthetic screws were then calculated. In the mechanical test, each group of 5 TIS-FDPs with 10 prosthetic screws was tested under 1 million loading cycles by using a universal testing machine. The removal torque values (RTVs) and the surface roughness of the prosthetic screws were measured after cyclic loading. The normality of the outcome variables was assessed by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used for further analysis (α=.05)., Results: The FEA results showed that the von Mises stresses of the prosthetic screws were concentrated in the first screw thread crest engaged with the abutment, and the maximum values of the threads and the rotation angles of the prosthetic screws increased in the 2-implant mesiodistal angulation from 0 to 30 degrees. The mechanical tests showed that the RTVs of the prosthetic screws in each group were not significantly different after 1 million loading cycles (P=.107). The surface roughness of the crest of the first 2 threads of the prosthetic screws in the 30-degree group changed significantly compared with those in the other groups., Conclusions: When TIS-FDPs were delivered, larger angulations of the 2 splinted implants seemed to increase the stress concentrated on the crest of the first engaged thread and the rotation angles of the prosthetic screws. After 1 million loading cycles, significant surface adhesive wear was identified on the crest of the first 2 threads of the prosthetic screws in the 30-degree group compared with groups with a smaller angulation., (Copyright © 2023 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Before dental implants are restored, osseointegration is often verified by torque testing the implant. For this test, it might be appropriate to select the torque subsequently used to tighten the abutment screw during prosthetic delivery. However, whether the full torque applied to the abutment screw is transferred to the implant-bone interface remains unknown., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess whether the same torque is transferred to the implant-bone interface when tightening abutment screws and when torque testing implants and to investigate whether the implant system used affects the torque transfer., Material and Methods: A digital torque gauge was used to register the torque directed to a simulated implant-bone interface. Twenty implants from 4 different manufacturers were successively secured to the digital torque gauge. An implant driver was used to torque test the implant. An implant abutment screw was then tightened to attach a universal base (TiBase) abutment to the implant. During both tests, a mechanical torque limiting device was used to apply the same manufacturer-specific torque. For both experiments, the peak torque transferred to the simulated implant-bone interface was recorded. To allow pooling data from different torque targets, the data were converted into absolute difference. A t test was used to evaluate whether the same magnitude of torque was transferred to the implant-bone interface when tightening abutment screws and when torque testing implants. An ANOVA was used to test whether the percentage of torque transferred to the implant-bone interface was impacted by the implant system used (α=.05)., Results: No significant difference was found between the torque transmitted when tightening an abutment screw and that transmitted when torque testing the implant (P=.600). Also, no difference was found in the percentage of torque transferred to the simulated implant-bone interface of different implant systems (P=.996)., Conclusions: Regardless of the implant system used, when tightening abutment screws and when torque testing implants, the same amount of torque is transferred to the implant-bone interface., (Copyright © 2021 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Statement of Problem: Anodic oxidation of titanium implant abutment collars has been used to mask their unesthetic grayish color. However, the effect of anodic oxidation on the health and appearance of peri-implant soft tissues is unclear., Purpose: The purpose of this split-mouth clinical study was to investigate the effect of anodized titanium on the health and esthetics of peri-implant soft tissues., Material and Methods: A total of 60 osseointegrated implants placed in 30 participants were included in the present study. Each participant received 2 randomly allocated abutments, one with a pink anodized collar and the other with an unanodized one to form 2 groups: unanodized group (control group) and anodized group (experimental group). All implants were restored with lithium disilicate restorations. Evaluations of the peri-implant soft tissues were performed at the time of definitive restoration insertion (baseline) and after 3, 6, 12, and 18 months: peri-implant probing depth, soft tissue recession, modified sulcus bleeding index, modified plaque index, and modified gingival index. The esthetics of peri-implant soft tissues were evaluated by using the modified pink esthetic score. The paired t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparing the 2 study groups at each point of time depending on the normality of the variables (α=.05). To compare each variable at different time points within each group separately, repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman tests were used according to the normality of the variables, followed by post hoc pairwise comparisons by using the Bonferroni adjusted significance (α=.05)., Results: Five peri-implant soft tissue indices were followed up throughout the study. No statistically significant differences were found among the mean values of the tested indices in the anodized and unanodized groups throughout the evaluation periods (P>.05). The collective mean values of the modified pink esthetic score also showed no statistically significant differences between the groups (P>.05)., Conclusions: Based on this split-mouth clinical study, pink anodized titanium abutment collars do not produce a clinically significant effect on the health or esthetics of peri-implant soft tissues., (Copyright © 2021 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Fabricating a new crown to retrofit with an existing removable partial denture (RPD) is a complex procedure for both clinician and dental laboratory technician. The presented technique facilitates the fabrication and retrofitting of a metal-ceramic crown onto the principal abutment of the existing RPD by using 2-step intraoral scanning (with and without the RPD in place) and 2 different 3-dimensionally printed casts. The technique enables the dental laboratory technician to precisely reproduce the retentive areas, guiding planes, and rest seats on the retrofitted crown., (Copyright © 2021 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)