Original vs Non-Original “Cast-To” Gold Abutment-Implant Connection: Analysis of the Internal Fit and Long-Term Fatigue Performance

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Restoring implants with nonoriginal abutments is common. However, studies that evaluated compatible abutments with long-term fatigue performance are lacking. PURPOSE The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the internal fit and the cyclic fatigue life after artificial aging of 3 implant-abutment configurations restored with 1 original and 2 compatible nonoriginal cast-to gold abutments. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-eight original internal hexagon connection implants were connected to 3 different brands of abutments (n=16): 1 original to the implant system and the other 2 with nonoriginal abutments. Internal fit and the percentage of surface with tight contact were assessed by scanning electron microscopy in 12 cross-sectioned specimens (n=4) at 3 different areas (platform, internal, and screw). Thirty-six implant-abutment-crown specimens (n=12) were immersed in artificial saliva and thermocycled for 10 000 cycles between 5 °C and 55 °C. Subsequently, a cyclic load test, as per International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 14 801, was completed in a universal testing machine at 2 Hz in air. RESULTS The original abutments presented the best fit and highest percentage of tight contact in the internal areas. In addition, the original abutments showed the lower cyclic fatigue strength degradation and the highest long-term success. CONCLUSIONS Occlusal loads are transferred more homogenously through the system when original abutments are used because of the better fit between the internal components, leading to increased fatigue resistance.