DOI: 10.11607/ijp.4759, PubMed ID (PMID): 27479347Pages 381-383, Language: EnglishPrado, Abraão M. / Pereira, Jorge / Henriques, Bruno / Benfatti, César A. M. / Magini, Ricardo S. / López-López, José / Souza, Júlio C. M.Purpose: This in vitro study evaluated the effect of biofilms on abutment torque loss and wear of implant internal connection surfaces.
Materials and Methods: Morse taper abutments were torqued to corresponding implants and then the implant-abutment assemblies were immersed in a biofilm medium for 72 hours. After detorque evaluation, the abutments were removed and the inner implant surfaces were observed via scanning electron microscopy and profilometry.
Results: The removal torque values and the implant damaged areas decreased after contact with biofilms.
Conclusion: The lubricating effect of biofilms decreased the friction between contacting surfaces, negatively affecting the mechanical integrity of the implant-abutment connection.
