Retentive strength of implant-supported base metal copings over short metal abutments using different luting agents and surface treatments.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of surface treatments on retention of implant-supported restorations over short abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty metal copings were made on Straumann solid abutments (3 mm length). The copings were divided into 2 groups: control and air abraded (50 mum Al2O3). The copings were luted using Fleck's, Poly F, Panavia F, and Fuji Plus. In resin cements groups, 2 subgroups were studied base on the application of Alloy Primer (n = 10). After conditioning in saliva and 5000 thermal cycles, retentive strengths of specimens were measured. Data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and Tukey honestly significant difference tests (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: Panavia F 2.0 combined with Alloy Primer showed the most retentive values. In control and air abraded groups, there was no significant difference between the studied luting agents. Alloy Primer significantly increased the retention of copings luted with Panavia F 2.0. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the retentive strength of metal copings over short implant abutments was not improved by airborne-particle abrasion. However, Alloy primer enhanced the retention of metal copings that were luted using Panavia F 2.0.