Effects of different torque levels on the implant-abutment interface in a conical internal connection.

The fit of the implant-abutment interface was assessed by the metallographic technique and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), using solid abutment types at different torque levels. Forty Morse taper connections and forty solid abutments were used at different torque levels (repeated after 10 minutes) in the following groups (n = 10): 25 Ncm (group g1), 30 Ncm (group g2), 35 Ncm (group g3), and 40 Ncm (group g4). The samples were embedded in a metallographic resin, sectioned lengthwise, and polished. SEM images were used to measure the linear contacts and the fits between abutments and the internal walls of the implant. The overall mean gap and standard deviation were as follows: 9.0 +/- 1.36 microm for group g1, 7.9 +/- 2.81 microm for group g2, 2.0 +/- 0.76 microm for group g3, and 0.3 +/- 0.40 microm for group g4. A significant difference was observed in the average fit values between the groups (p < 0.05). The linear area of contact between the abutment and the implant increased as torque augmented. This study demonstrated that higher insertion torque values in a conical internal connection increase the fit (contact) of the implant-abutment interface.