Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: In response to esthetic demand and use of zirconia abutments; detection of implant-abutment connection misfit is so important. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of radiographic images in the detection of abutment-implant connection misfit in zirconia and titanium abutments of three different implant connections.

Materials and Methods: One regular implant fixture of Branemark, Noble active and Replace systems were mount in acrylic models. Two pieces titanium and zirconium abutments were attached to the implants, once with correct adaptation and once with 0.5 mm spacer. Digital radiographic images were taken of 12 created states with zero degree vertical and horizontal inclination and evaluated by 10 specialists in implant treatment in two different time penods. Data were analyzed using Kappa analysis.

Results: Interclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) of the agreement of answers in the first and second times were 97.4 and 97.5, respectively (P<0/001). Sensitivity of detecting gap in all groups was acceptable (95-100%) except titanium abutment in Noble active which was the lowest value (35%). Specificity of all groups were acceptable (80-95%) except zirconia abutments in Noble active and Replace with 45% and 30% values, respectively, and titanium abutments in Branemark had the highest value (95%).

Conclusion: The sensitivity of radiographic images in detection of abutment-implant connection misfit only in Noble active with titanium abutment was not acceptable. Specificity of radiographic images in the absence of gap in titanium abutments was more favorable.