Influence of Surface Treatments on Retention of Cement-Retained Implant Prostheses: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction ;To evaluate and compare the effect of different surface treatments on the retention strength of cement-retained crowns supported by stock implant abutments under simulated clinical conditions.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty-nine titanium stock abutments were divided into three groups (n = 23). Group I received no surface treatment (control), Group II underwent circumferential grooving followed by sandblasting, and Group III received dimpled bur modifications. Nickel-chromium copings were fabricated and luted using zinc phosphate cement. Retention was tested using a universal testing machine under tensile load. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA and post hoc comparisons.

Results:
Group II demonstrated significantly higher tensile strength (166.06 ± 0.23 N) compared to both the control group (66.09 ± 0.08 N) and Group III (66.78 ± 0.22 N) (p < 0.001). Group I and Group III showed comparable retention values, indicating minimal impact from dimpled surface modifications alone.

Conclusion:
A combination of circumferential grooves and sandblasting significantly improves the retention of cement-retained prostheses to stock implant abutments. This technique may enhance clinical success, particularly in cases with short abutments or limited interocclusal space.