Influence of mechanical cycling in the microbiological seal and microgaps in tapered connection implants

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the bacterial seal and adaptation of the abutments in a tapered connection implant system (Titaoss, Intraoss, Brazil) by means of microbiological and morphological analysis after cyclic loading. Objectives: The hypothesis of the study was to evaluate if after cycling the adaptation between abutment and implant creates gap allowing the passage of microorganisms. Methods: Twelve implants and their respective prosthetic abutments/crowns were fixed with a screw under torque of 20N.cm. The gap between the abutment and the implant was measured after the initial torque with the aid of a stereomicroscope and then subjected to compressive loads of 120 N and 2 Hz. After cycling, a new microgap measurement was performed and the samples were immersed in Escherichia coli suspension and incubated at 37°C. After 14 days, the prosthetic abutments were separated from the respective implants, and the presence of bacterial infiltration was evaluated. For the statistical calculations, the Student t test, binomial and G tests were used at a significance level of 5%. Results: The results showed that the specimens submitted to compressive load showed significantly smaller microgaps between the abutment and implant significantly than the non-cycled samples (p = 0.032). There was no significant difference in bacterial leakage in the implant models studied, regardless of mechanical cycling (p = 0.296). Conclusion: The tapered connection implant system used showed an effective bacterial seal, regardless of mechanical cycling.