PURPOSE: This study sought to (1) compare the effects of crown preseating prior to cementation, (2) determine whether maintenance of screw access openings on titanium abutments and open vent holes on cast crowns affects the amount of excess cement at the crown-abutment margin, and (3) analyze the associated tensile force after cementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three independent variables were tested: (1) abutment screw access (open or closed), (2) crown coping modification (with or without a vent hole in the palatal aspect), and (3) crown preseating on an abutment analog. Ten implant crown copings were cemented using temporary cement on ten straight implant abutments for each combination of the three independent variables. The amount of excess cement at the crown margins was measured by weight. Axial tensile load was measured 24 hours after cementation. Results were statistically analyzed using linear regression and univariate three-way analysis of variance (α = .05). RESULTS: Open screw access, presence of a vent hole on the crown, and preseating of the crown had significant effects on the amount of excess cement at the crown margin (P < .05). Preseating significantly lowered tensile strength values (P = .001), particularly in specimens with preseating and open screw access (P < .001). There was no significant correlation between excess cement at the margins and tensile strength values. CONCLUSION: Placement of vent holes on the crown or open screw access may be considered for cementing crowns on implant abutments using temporary cement in order to minimize excess cement at the crown margin. A preseating protocol is not advisable, either alone or combined with open screw access, since it significantly reduces the retentive strength of cemented restorations (P < .001).
PURPOSE: This study sought to (1) compare the effects of crown preseating prior to cementation, (2) determine whether maintenance of screw access openings on titanium abutments and open vent holes on cast crowns affects the amount of excess cement at the crown-abutment margin, and (3) analyze the associated tensile force after cementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three independent variables were tested: (1) abutment screw access (open or closed), (2) crown coping modification (with or without a vent hole in the palatal aspect), and (3) crown preseating on an abutment analog. Ten implant crown copings were cemented using temporary cement on ten straight implant abutments for each combination of the three independent variables. The amount of excess cement at the crown margins was measured by weight. Axial tensile load was measured 24 hours after cementation. Results were statistically analyzed using linear regression and univariate three-way analysis of variance (α = .05). RESULTS: Open screw access, presence of a vent hole on the crown, and preseating of the crown had significant effects on the amount of excess cement at the crown margin (P < .05). Preseating significantly lowered tensile strength values (P = .001), particularly in specimens with preseating and open screw access (P < .001). There was no significant correlation between excess cement at the margins and tensile strength values. CONCLUSION: Placement of vent holes on the crown or open screw access may be considered for cementing crowns on implant abutments using temporary cement in order to minimize excess cement at the crown margin. A preseating protocol is not advisable, either alone or combined with open screw access, since it significantly reduces the retentive strength of cemented restorations (P < .001).