Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the viscoelastic properties of the implant-tissue interface for different loading positions.
The viscoelastic properties of six implants were measured using an automatic mobility diagnostic system that we developed. The three parameters, viscosity c1, viscosity c2 and elasticity k were automatically obtained using a personal computer. Measurement points were taken at four different positions, the implant abutment, and the superior, middle and inferior portions of the impression post. Variations among measurement points were studied for each of the obtained dynamic parameters by 2-way ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05.
All of the parameters were the largest at the implant abutment position and the values decreased from the lower to the upper positions of the impression post. This indicates that large values for the parameters viscosity c1, viscosity c2 and elasticity k imply less movement (less mobility). A significant difference among the four positions was recognized in all parameters by 2-way ANOVA.
We concluded that it is necessary to standardize the measurement positions and to pay attention to the height of the prosthesis in comparison with implant length in the case of long-term clinical evaluations by examining and diagnosing the status of contact between the placed implant and its surrounding bone.
