title: Passive fit of implant-retained prosthetic superstructures improved by electric discharge machining.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An absolutely passive fit at the interface with the superstructure and the abutment cylinders is needed for implant longevity. In this study, a method of cast framework correction using electric discharge machining (EDM) was evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  An original research model incorporating strain gages was devised to measure the fit of implant superstructures in three dimensions as cast and to compare this relationship with the fit following framework machining with EDM.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Visually, the fit of the frameworks was excellent, and the results of ANOVA demonstrated that the mean fit of the frameworks significantly improved (P > .04) after machining with EDM.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The EDM process offers a rapid, accurate, and simple technique to correct for casting inaccuracies in the fabrication of hybrid implant prostheses.
authors.affiliation: US Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Linehan
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Windeler
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000044:Dental Abutments; D003775:Dental Polishing / Q000379:methods*; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D004572:Electrolysis; D008669:Metallurgy; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting