The stability of the implant-abutment interface is crucial for the maintenance of the implant index integrity. Several factors are capable of inducing deformation in implant-abutment connection, such as the actual insertion of the implant into the bone. This study aimed to evaluate the deformations produced in the connection after the insertion of the implant. Ten implants with two different implant carriers (Type A: carrier attached to platform and Type B: carrier attached inside the index-connection) were placed in artificial Type II bone, and volumetric changes were evaluated for different connection features with a 3D digital microscope. ANOVA (analysis of variance), Wilcoxon, and Tukey HSD post-test were used for statistical comparisons. Type A implants presented deformation at the platform level (inner slot angles and slot width), but no volumetric changes were observed inside the connection. Type B implants presented deformation in three parameters inside the connection (outer channel length, coronal step width, and coronal step length). Within the limitations of this study, we can conclude that more deformation is expected at the internal connection when the implant carrier engages this area. The engagement area should be as far away as possible from the index connection.
Keywords: bone density; conical connection; deformation; dental implants; implant connection; implant index; volumetric changes.