Effect of surface treatments on the retention of implant-supported cement-retained bridge with short abutments: An in vitro comparative evaluation

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: In clinical situations, short implant abutments create lack of retention with overlying cemented prosthesis. AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of different surface treatments on the retention of implant-supported cement-retained bridge with short implant abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six straight Adin implant abutments of similar sizes (3 mm diameter × 3 mm height) were selected. All were divided into three groups (n = 2): with circumferential grooves and sandblasting (G + SB), with a circumferential groove and bur modification (G + B) and third one taken as control. The framework simulating three-unit bridge was casted in each group. A total of 30 such frameworks (10 for each group) were fabricated. Each casting was cemented with a zinc phosphate cement (Dentsply). The cemented frameworks were then being stored in 100% humidity at 37°C for 24 h. Retention tests were conducted with a universal testing machine (5 mm/min), and retentive forces were recorded. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's honestly significant difference test, (α = 0.05). RESULTS: For the first group, retentive value increased by 619.30 N, the second group increased the retention by approximately 749.80 N (P < 0.001). The null hypothesis was rejected, the abutments with G + B showed significantly higher retention, than the G + SB and control group (F = 15.95, df = 29, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The addition of G + B to implant abutments significantly increased the retention of cement-retained frameworks. For long-term prognosis of the prosthesis; G + B modification can be a better option as compared to G + SB.