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Abstract

Background: Frictional dental implants rely on precise fit and surface contact between the abutment and implant for stability and retention. The removal force required to detach the abutment is a critical parameter influencing implant longevity, prosthetic stability, and ease of retrieval. This in vitro study aims to evaluate and compare the removal force of different abutment designs in frictional dental implants.
Materials and Methods: A total of 30 frictional dental implants were divided into three groups (n=10) based on abutment design: Group A (tapered abutments), Group B (parallel-walled abutments), and Group C (hybrid abutments). Each abutment was inserted with a standardized force and subjected to cyclic loading for 500,000 cycles to simulate masticatory forces. A universal testing machine was used to measure the force required to remove each abutment. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test with a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: The mean removal force (N) for Group A was 125.4 ± 5.6, Group B was 98.7 ± 4.3, and Group C was 110.2 ± 4.9. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference among the groups (p<0.05), with Group A showing the highest removal force, followed by Group C and Group B. The results suggest that abutment design significantly affects the retention of frictional dental implants.
Conclusion: Tapered abutments exhibited the highest removal force, indicating superior retention in frictional dental implants. Parallel-walled abutments demonstrated the lowest retention, which may facilitate easier retrieval but could compromise long-term stability. Hybrid abutments provided a balance between retention and retrievability. Further studies are recommended to assess clinical implications and long-term performance.