Evaluation of the Mechanical Behavior and Marginal Accuracy of Stock and Laser-Sintered Implant Abutments

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the marginal accuracy and mechanical behavior of implant-supported crowns restored with original stock abutments and nonoriginal computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture laser-sintered abutments. Materials and Methods: A total of 26 implants were divided in two groups (n = 13 each) as follows: implants connected to original stock abutments (OS) and implants connected to nonoriginal laser-sintered abutments (LS). Of these, 10 samples were cross-sectioned to measure the marginal accuracy under a scanning electron microscope. In addition, 16 samples were used to study the mechanical behavior. Two tests were performed: (1) static load and (2) dynamic load after thermocycling with artificial saliva. Results: OS exhibited the best marginal accuracy; however, the LS gap was within the clinically acceptable range of marginal discrepancy. No significant differences were found in the mechanical tests. Conclusions: Both abutments are acceptable alternatives to restore implants, although the original abutments showed better fit than nonoriginals.