[Comparison of leakage at the implant to abutment connection in several implants types using a gas flow method]

The aim of this study was to compare the leakage at the implant to abutment connection in several implants, using a new gas diffusion method.Sixty-eight implants of 13 different types were used. Nitrogen leaking was measured after screwing the connections to the torque levels recommended by the manufacturers.A significant tightness difference was observed between the different implant types. This difference cannot be explained by the various connection designs (flat, conical) or by the various torques recommended by the manufacturers.The authors suggest that the tightness difference between the various implant systems could be mainly associated with quality and precision of machining.