Correlation Between Micromotion and Gap Formation at the Implant-Abutment Interface

Purpose: This study aimed to correlate micromotion and gap measurements at the implantabutment interface. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 implant-abutment assemblies were subjected to micromotion measurements under cyclic loading and subsequently quartered and inspected under a light microscope to measure vertical and horizontal gaps between implant and abutment. Statistical analysis was based on Pearson productmoment correlations (α = .05). Results: Micromotion varied from 8.03 μm to 100.32 μm, while horizontal gaps ranged from 8.72 μm to 59.93 μm and vertical gaps ranged from 3.93 μm to 30.82 μm. No significant correlations were found (P > .05). Conclusion: Simplistic gap measurements at the implant-abutment interface are inadequate for predicting micromotion.