title: Biofilm Affecting the Mechanical Integrity of Implant-Abutment Joints.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This in vitro study evaluated the effect of biofilms on abutment torque loss and wear of implant internal connection surfaces.
  
  
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The lubricating effect of biofilms decreased the friction between contacting surfaces, negatively affecting the mechanical integrity of the implant-abutment connection.
authors.forename: Abraão M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Prado
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Henriques
authors.forename: César Am
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Benfatti
authors.forename: Ricardo S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Magini
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: López-López
authors.forename: Júlio Cm
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Souza
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms; D000044:Dental Abutments; D059605:Dental Implant-Abutment Design / Q000379:methods; D015921:Dental Implants; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants