Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar, o comportamento das tensões na estrutura de suporte peri-implantar, decorrentes da pressão atuante sobre uma prótese fixa revestida em cerâmica, por meio do método fotoelástico. Foram confeccionadas três mandíbulas em resina fotoelástica, cada uma contendo 5 implantes hexágono externo de 3,75mm de diâmetro, com comprimentos variáveis denominadas MOD10 (implantes com 10mm); MOD13 (implantes com 13mm); MOD15 (implantes com 15mm), localizados na região interforaminal, paralelos entre si. Foi construída uma estrutura de prótese fixa em cobalto/cromo, com extensão distal bilateral (cantilever) de 15mm de comprimento, revestida por cerâmica, aparafusada sobre pilares micro unit com cinta de 1,0mm. Foi realizado um correto ajuste oclusal, em máxima intercuspidação, entre os dentes antagonistas. Os modelos foram submetidos à pressão de 1,0 e 3,0 bars, de forma a incidir axialmente sobre os implantes. O comportamento foi avaliado por visualização direta, em tempo real, e pelas imagens realizadas por meio dos registros fotográficos. Os resultados mostraram que, quanto maior o comprimento do implante, maior a propagação de tensão ao longo do corpo do implante e nos seus ápices; os implantes localizados mais distalmente, próximos ao cantilever, apresentaram maiores tensões em relação aos demais; o aumento do comprimento do implante aumentou a propagação de tensão ao longo da estrutura mandibular, como o corpo e ramo ascendente da mandíbula. Concluiu-se que: 1. Quanto maior o comprimento do implante suporte de prótese fixa, revestida em cerâmica, as tensões são mais distribuídas ao longo do seu corpo e ápice, propagando-se pelas estruturas mandibulares. 2. Os implantes próximos ao cantilever são os mais sobrecarregados, apresentando as maiores tensões. / The purpose of this research was to evaluate, using the photoelastic method, the behavior of tensions on peri-implant-supported structure deriving from pressure applied to a ceramic-coated fixed prosthesis . Three photoelastic-resin mandibles were built, each of them containing five 3.75-mm external hexagon implants with variable lengths and denominated MOD10 (implants with 10mm), MOD13 (implants with 13mm), MOD15 (implants with 15mm), located in parallel with each other in the interforaminal region. A fixed cobalt/chrome prosthesis structure was built with 15mm-bilateral-distal-length (cantilever), coated in ceramic, and screwed onto microunit pillars with a 1.0mm belt. A proper oclusal adjustment was performed at maximum intercuspation between antagonistic teeth. Models were submitted to pressures of 1.0 and 3.0 bars applied on implants at axial ends. Their behavior was evaluated by direct real-time visualization and by photographic images. Results showed that the greater the implant length, the greater the propagation of tension along implant length and on its apices; implants distally located, next to the cantilever, presented greater tensions in relation to others; as implant length increase, propagation of tension along the mandibular structure, such as the mandible body and ascending arm, also increase. Conclusion was 1. The longer the fixed-prosthesis-supported implant, coated in ceramic, the more tensions are distributed along its body and apex, propagating along mandibular structures. 2. Implants closer to the cantilever are those supporting the highest load and presenting the highest tensions.

Dans le cadre du développement d’un larynx artificiel, les expérimentations sur l’animal et les essais cliniques ont mis en évidence un défaut de ré-épithélialisation de la face endoluminale de la prothèse. Cet épithélium respiratoire est absolument nécessaire pour obtenir un dispositif implantable totalement intégré dans le corps mais également pour la fonctionnalité d’un tel implant. Dans ce travail nous avons développé de nouveaux films d’hydrogels de collagène et d’acide hyaluronique interpénétrés et réticulés pour assurer une repousse épithéliale rapide. Ces films d’hydrogels optimisés ont une résistance suffisante à l’hydrolyse pour limiter leur dégradation précoce une fois implantés. Ils ont été fonctionnalisés par des facteurs de croissance et de différenciation cellulaire libérés de façon progressive avec un résultat objectivé sur la prolifération cellulaire. L’encapsulation de cellules immunitaire et l’utilisation de cytokines dans ces gels permettent également de moduler la réponse inflammatoire vers un processus de cicatrisation plutôt que de rejet. / As part of the development of an artificial larynx, in vivo experiments and clinical trials have revealed a defect in re-epithelialization of the endoluminal side of the prosthesis. This respiratory epithelium is absolutely necessary to obtain an implantable device fully integrated into the body but also for the functionality of such an implant. In this work we have developed patches of interpenetrated and reticulated hydrogels based on collagen and hyaluronic acid to ensure rapid epithelial regrowth. These optimized hydrogel patches have sufficient resistance to hydrolysis to limit their early degradation once implanted. They have been functionalized by growth and cell differentiation factors that are released gradually with an objectified result on cell proliferation. Encapsulation of immune cells and the use of cytokines in these gels also modulate the inflammatory response towards a healing process rather than rejection.

No description available.

<p>This study is focused on synthesizing Nitinol by additive manufacturing that can provide desirable mechanical properties for orthopedic implants and adding functionally gradient coating that can enhance both safety and biocompatibility for orthopedic implant applications.</p> <p><br></p> <p>The characteristics of additively manufactured Nitinol, by using the direct energy deposition (DED) technique, were experimentally studied. Because of a unique layer-by-layer manufacturing scheme, the microstructure and associated properties (mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties) of the DED Nitinol is different compared to conventionally produced Nitinol. Both the feasibility of manufacturing defect-free microstructure and the precise control of chemical composition were demonstrated. Effects of chemical compositions and post heat-treatment conditions on the phase transformation temperatures of the DED Nitinol were systematically analyzed and compared with those of conventional Nitinol. More precise control of phase transformation temperature from DED Nitinol was possible due to incoherent precipitate formation during aging heat treatment. In a similar way, the mechanical properties of the DED Nitinol were less sensitive to its chemical compositions and post heat-treatment conditions. The feasibility of the precise control of both mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of the DED Nitinol was demonstrated which can broaden its applications. </p> <p><br></p> <p>The bulk polycrystalline properties of the NiTi phase were studied via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Thermo-mechanical properties that are highly sensitive to chemical composition were not precisely predicted from previous reports and studies. In this study, realistic boundary conditions were applied to calculate bulk polycrystalline properties. Thermally driven phase transitions of NiTi between martensite and austenite are simulated with external stresses in both normal and shear directions. It is shown that phase transformation temperatures are affected by applied external stresses, and realistic values compared to experimental data are correctly predicted only when external stresses in both normal and shear directions are similar to the experimentally observed values of 0.05 – 0.1 GPa. The experimentally observed grain orientation and grain boundary thickness were applied to simulation domains for the prediction of the elastic moduli. The elastic moduli of polycrystalline NiTi structure was calculated as 52 GPa which is close to the experimentally reported value of 20-40 GPa while other studies predicted over 85 GPa. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Lastly, pure titanium gradient layers were coated on the Nitinol surface for orthopedic implant applications to eliminate potentially toxic Ni ion release. Using the DED technique, both the core Nitinol and titanium gradient layers were manufactured with high purity and without microstructural defects. An additional biomedical coating of Hydroxyapatite (HA) was deposited on the outer surface using the cold spray technique. The resultant bonding strength was determined to be 26 MPa which exceeded the requirement of the ISO-13779 standard (15 MPa). The <em>in vitro</em> test of the Ni release rate from the entire gradient Nitinol structure was very low, which was comparable to drinking water.</p>

No description available.

Thesis (MEdPsych (Educational Psychology))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / Cochlear implants are electronic devices implanted in the ear, which can give children with severe to profound hearing loss, access to sound and the opportunity to aquire spoken language. Such implants are achieved via a delicate surgical procedure, followed by an intensive rehabilitation program. Parents are intimately involved in this entire process and play a pivotal role in terms of decision-making, the surgery and the child’s language development. Research has shown that this procedure causes increased stress levels in parents, as well as an initial experience of mixed emotions. They also have to consider that some cochlear implants are not successful and thus do not provide all children with access to sound and the possibility of learning spoken language. Parents’ first contact with professional services/persons is generally doctors, ear, nose and throat specialists, audiologists, speech therapists and social workers. Further research shows that the relationship between such professionals and parents is not always satisfactory. As mothers often work closest with professionals, the following research questions arose: How do mothers experience the emotional support they receive during the diagnosis, implantation procedure and rehabilitation, and what are their emotional needs during this time? Because of a lack of literature concerning the role of educational psychologists in this process, a third question arose: What role can the educational psychologist play during the diagnosis of deafness and the cochlear implant process? The purpose of this generic qualitative study, therefore, was to analyze, describe and explain the experience of eight mothers of children with cochlear implants, with regard to support and support needs. The study was conducted within the interpretive paradigm, which guided the qualitative research design. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed. The data analysis was done by using aspects of grounded theory. The findings show that mothers’ experiences of the process were unique, as the situation of each family differed. The eight mothers’ needs for emotional support also differed because of their unique experiences. Furthermore, a lack of support to parents after the rehabilitation process, just before children start primary school, was identified, and it was established that the educational psychologist can play a role in this phase and transition phases. Recommendations were made to improve the support mothers receive from professional services or people.

[pt] Esse trabalho teve como objetivo principal avaliar a resistência à falha da infraestrutura de uma prótese parcial fixa em zircônia de três elementos e aparafusada sobre implantes, através de análise de tensões por elementos finitos e determinação da resistência à fadiga da estrutura. Como objetivo secundário, foram avaliadas as distribuições das tensões nos demais componentes da prótese. Na análise de tensões, dois modelos distintos foram gerados, sendo o primeiro com prótese, implantes e parafusos similares àqueles adotados na clínica odontológica. Um segundo modelo, usado como controle, adotou uma geometria simplificada. As cargas mastigatórias foram aquelas usuais da literatura especializada e a análise por elementos finitos foi realizada através do programa Ansys Workbench 14.5. Os resultados das distribuições de tensões mostraram semelhanças entre os dois modelos, com pequenas variações relacionadas às geometrias empregadas. As tensões calculadas ficaram abaixo dos limites de resistência mecânica da zircônia e das ligas de titânio. No cálculo da vida em fadiga da prótese de zircônia um modelo analítico foi adotado prevendo uma vida infinita para o componente. / [en] The main goal of this work was to evaluate the failure resistance of a zirconia fixed partial denture of three elements screwed on implants by means of a finite element stress analysis and the determination of the fatigue strength of the structure. As a secondary objective, the stress distributions in the other components of the prosthesis were evaluated. In order to promote the stress analysis, two different models were generated, the first making use of prosthesis, implants and screws similar to those adopted in the dental clinic. A second model, used as control, adopted a simplified geometry. The masticatory loads were those presented usually in the literature and finite element analysis was performed making use of Ansys Workbench 14.5 program. The stress distribution results showed similarity in both models, with small variations related to the adopted geometries. The calculated stresses were smaller than the ultimate strength of the zirconia and titanium alloys. Concerning the fatigue life of the zirconia prosthesis an analytical model was adopted and estimated an infinite life for the component.

Conexões em cone morse foram desenvolvidas para melhorar as propriedades biomecânicas e reduzir os problemas mecânicos encontrados nos sistemas de hexágono externo e interno. Este trabalho apresenta os resultados de dois estudos que investigaram as propriedades biomecânicas da conexão implante/pilar protético em implantes do sistema cone morse. A proposta do primeiro estudo foi avaliar o efeito do carregamento mecânico na perda de torque de pilares protéticos do sistema cone morse, e o efeito de ciclos sucessivos de inserção/remoção no torque de remoção destes pilares. 69 implantes cônicos foram utilizados. Os implantes e pilares foram divididos em 4 grupos: grupos 1 e 3 receberam pilares sólidos, e os grupos 2 e 4(a,b) receberam os pilares com parafuso trespassante. Nos grupos 1 e 2 os torques de instalação foram medidos, os pilares foram removidos, e os torques de remoção foram medidos; dez ciclos de inserção/remoção foram realizados para cada conjunto implante/pilar. Nos grupos 3 e 4(a,b) os pilares foram instalados e carregados mecanicamente; os pilares foram removidos e os torques de remoção foram medidos; dez ciclos de inserção/carregamento mecânico/remoção foram realizados para cada conjunto implante/pilar. Os dados foram analizados com o teste de Student-Newman-Keuls, com um nível de significância de p &le; 0,05%. A perda de torque foi maior nos grupos 4a e 2 (acima de 30%); seguidos pelo grupo 1 (10,5%); grupo 3 (5,4%); e grupo 4b (39% de ganho de torque). Todos os resultados foram significativamente diferentes. A comparação do número de ciclos mostrou que, com o aumento do número de ciclos de inserção/remoção, houve uma tendência de aumento na perda de torque, para todos os tipos de pilares e grupos. Concluiu-se que o carregamento mecânico aumentou o torque de remoção dos pilares carregados em comparação a pilares não-carregados, e que os valores dos torques de remoção decaíram conforme o número de ciclos de inserção/remoção aumentou. O objetivo do segundo estudo foi verificar se as diferenças estruturais entre os sistemas de implantes com conexão em hexágono internos e em cone morse influenciam sua resistência à fratura. Vinte implantes cônicos com dimensões de 4,4mm de diâmetro por 13mm de comprimento foram utilizados: 10 com conexão em hexágono interno (HI) e 10 com conexão em cone morse (CM) de 11,5&deg;. Vinte pilares foram utilizados, 10 para os implantes HI (com um parafuso trespassante de fixação), e 10 para os implantes CM (sólidos). Os testes foram realizados em uma máquina universal de ensaios, com uma célula de carga de 500 kgf, deslocamento de 1mm/min, numa inclinação de 45&deg; a força máxima de deformação (FMD) e a força de fratura (FF) foram analisadas. As informações coletadas foram analizadas com um teste paramétrico (teste \"t\" de Student, p &le; 0,05). A média da FMD para os implantes CM [90.58(6.72)kgf] foi estatisticamente superior à média da FMD para os implantes HI [83.73(4.94)kgf] (p=0.0182). A média da FF para os implantes HI foi 79.86(4.77)kgf. Nenhum dos implantes CM fraturou. Por meio de microscopia óptica, verificou-se que as fraturas nos implantes HI sempre ocorreram no parafuso de fixação. Embora os implantes CM não tenham fraturado, eles sofreram deformações permanentes em sua plataforma e no pilar protético. É possível concluir que o desenho sólido dos pilares CM proporciona maior resistência à deformação e à fratura em comparação aos pilares HI. / Internal tapered connections were developed to improve biomechanical properties and to reduce mechanical problems found in external and internal hex implants. This work presents the results of two studies that investigated the biomechanical properties of the implant/abutment connection in implants with internal tapered connections. The purpose of the first study was to evaluate the effect of mechanical loading on the torque loss of abutments with internal tapered connections, and the effect of repeated torque cycles on the removal torque of these abutments. 68 conical implants and two abutment types were used. The implants and abutments were divided into 4 groups: groups 1 and 3 received the solid abutments, groups 2 and 4(a,b) received the trespassing screw abutments. In groups 1 and 2 installation torques of the abutments were measured, the abutments were uninstalled, and removal torques were measured; ten insertion/removal cycles were performed for each implant/abutment assembly. In groups 3 and 4(a,b) the abutments were installed, mechanically loaded, uninstalled, and removal torques were measured; ten insertion/mechanical loading/removal cycles were performed for each implant/abutment assembly. Data were analyzed with the Student-Newman-Keuls test, with a significance level of p &le; 0.05. Torque loss was greater in groups 4a and 2 (over 30%), followed by group 1 (10.5%), group 3 (5.4%) and group 4b (39% torque gain). All results were significantly different. The comparison of the number of cycles showed that, as the insertion/removal cycles increased, removal torques tended to be lower, for all abutment types and groups. It was concluded that mechanical loading increased loosening torque of loaded abutments in comparison to unloaded abutments, and removal torque values decrease as the number of insertion/removal cycles increase. The objective of the second study was to verify if the differences in the design of the internal hex and the internal tapered connection implant systems influence their fracture resistance. Twenty tapered implants with dimensions of 4.3mm X 13mm were utilized: 10 with an internal hex (IH) connection and 10 with an 11.5&deg; conical tapered (CT) connection. Twenty abutments were utilized, 10 for the IH implants (with a trespassing fixation screw), and 10 for the CT implants (solid). The tests were carried out in a universal testing machine, with a 500kgf load cell, 1mm/min dislocation, and 45 degrees angulation. The maximum deformation force (MDF) and the fracture force (FF) were analyzed. The collected data were analyzed with a parametric test (Student\'s t, p<.05). The average MDF for the CT implants [90.58(6.72)kgf] was statistically higher than the average MDF for the IH implants [83.73(4.94)kgf] (p=0.0182). The average FF for the IH implants was 79.86(4.77)kgf. None of the CT implants fractured. By means of optical micrography, it was verified that the fractures in the IH implants occurred always in the fixation screw. Although the CT implants did not fracture, they showed permanent deformations in the abutment and in the platform. It is possible to conclude that the solid design of the CT abutments provides greater resistance to deformation and fracture when compared to the IH abutments.

Os implantes mamários de silicone têm sido empregados, tanto nas cirurgias de aumento das mamas, quanto na reconstrução do tecido mamário após mastectomia. A segurança biológica dos implantes de silicone merece estudo relacionado aos processos de esterilização empregados, pois podem constituir-se em fator de comprometimento da estrutura química do polímero e, conseqüentemente, da biocompatibilidade. Este estudo consistiu na avaliação da biocompatibilidade de implantes mamários de silicone após terem sido submetidos aos processos de esterilização por calor seco, radiação gama e óxido de etileno. O parâmetro avaliado foi a viabilidade celular, empregando o método de difusão em agar e de captura do vermelho neutro. As amostras compreenderam implantes de silicone gel lisos, texturizados e revestidos com poliuretano e implantes texturizados pré-cheios com solução salina. Também foi realizado o teste de endotoxinas bacterianas pelo método do LAL e determinação da taxa de migração do gel de silicone (teste de bleed). Os três métodos de esterilização mostraram-se igualmente eficientes pela comprovação da condição de esterilidade dos implantes através de metodologia descrita na Farmacopéia Americana 27 edição. Os níveis de endotoxinas bacterianas dos implantes, também atenderam aos requisitos dos compêndios oficiais. Na avaliação da biocompatibilidade todos os implantes, independente dos processos de esterilização utilizados, apresentaram ausência de citotoxicidade. Os resultados do teste de bleed mostraram uma maior taxa de migração de gel para os implantes de superfície lisa em comparação com os implantes de superfície texturizada e revestida com poliuretano, quando esterilizados por calor seco. Ao comparar a taxa de migração do gel para os implantes de superfície lisa esterilizados por calor seco e óxido de etileno, obteve-se uma maior taxa de migração para aqueles implantes esterilizados por óxido de etileno. As diferentes avaliações realizadas neste estudo abrangeram aspectos biológicos, químicos e físicos relevantes para garantir um produto de boa qualidade e que, por assegurar a manutenção da característica de biocompatibilidade, resulta na segurança biológica deste tipo de implante. / Silicone breast implants have been widely used for mammary augmentation and reconstruction surgery. Biological safety of these implants can be damaged by sterilization methods. This study consisted of the biocompatibility assessment of breast implants through cell viability, employing the agar diffusion test and neutral red uptake. Four silicone breast implants were tested: smooth, textured, polyurethane covered silicone gel breast implant and textured saline-filled breast implant. Sterilization methods comprised dry-heat, ethylene oxide and &#947;-radiation. Detection of bacterial endotoxins employing LAL test and gel bleed was also performed. The three methods of sterilization revealed equally efficacious, through the sterility confirmation of implants employing methodology described in 27th edition of United States Pharmacopeia. At the same way the leveis of bacterial endotoxins of implants accorded with the pharmacopeial requirements. In theevaluation of biocompatibility ali the implants, independently of the sterilization process used, showed no cytotoxicity signals. The results of gel bleed revealed a higher migration rate from the smooth implants in comparison with the textured and polyurethane-covered implants sterilized by dry-heat. When was compared the gel migration of smooth implants sterilized by dry-heat and ethylene oxide, was obtained a higher rate of gel bleed of those implants sterilized by ethylene oxide. The different evaluations performed in this study comprised biological, chemical and physical aspects, that are relevant to assure a good quality product and by having maintained the characteristics of biocompatibility, resulted in the biological safety on this kind of implant.

A proposta deste estudo foi avaliar o comportamento mecânico de dois designs de conexão implante/abutment; hexágono externo e triângulo interno, utilizando parafusos convencionais e parafusos experimentais cone morse. O estudo foi dividido em duas fases: na primeira, foi avaliado o efeito do carregamento mecânico na perda de torque dos parafusos. 40 implantes foram utilizados. Os implantes e abutments foram divididos em 4 grupos: Grupo 1: hexágono externo/parafuso convencional (HE); Grupo 2: triângulo interno/parafuso convencional (TI); Grupo 3: hexágono externo/parafuso cone morse (HECM); Grupo 4: triângulo interno/parafuso cone morse (TICM). Os abutments foram instalados em seus respectivos implantes com torque de aperto de 32Ncm; após intervalo de 10 minutos, foram medidos os valores dos torques de desaperto. Os abutments foram instalados novamente com torque de 32Ncm, e após 10 minutos foram carregados mecanicamente, simulando 1 ano de função oral normal; após o carregamento, os torques de desaperto dos parafusos foram medidos novamente. Os dados foram analisados com o teste one-way ANOVA, com nível de significância de p&le;0,05%. Análises por microscopia óptica foram realizadas antes e após os ensaios. Na segunda fase, foi avaliada a resistência à flexão dos conjuntos implante/abutment. Os mesmos 40 conjuntos foram utilizados. Os testes foram realizados em máquina universal de ensaios, com célula de carga de 500 kgf, deslocamento de 1mm/min, e inclinação de 45&deg;. A força máxima de flexão (FMF) e a força de ruptura (FR) foram determinadas. As informações coletadas foram analisadas com o teste one-way ANOVA, para p&le;0,05. Análises por microscopia óptica foram realizadas para estudo dos componentes após os ensaios de resistência flexural. Os resultados sugeriram que houve diferença significante (p=0,000) na pré-carga residual antes e após carregamento mecânico entre os dois tipos de parafuso: os parafusos cone morse apresentaram torques de desaperto significativamente superiores aos apresentados pelos parafusos planos convencionais. Houve diferença significante nos resultados da FMF obtidos pelos parafusos planos convencionais e pelos parafusos cone morse (p=0,011), sendo que os conjuntos implante/abutment com parafusos cone morse apresentaram maior resistência à flexão. Para os resultados da FR houve influência significante do tipo de conexão (p=0,019), com melhores resultados para a conexão triângulo interno. Considerando as limitações deste estudo, concluiu-se que os parafusos cone morse apresentaram maiores torques de desaperto em comparação aos parafusos planos convencionais; que o design da conexão protética não teve influência significante sobre o torque de desaperto dos parafusos; que os parafusos cone morse obtiveram maiores valores de resistência à flexão, e que a conexão em triângulo interno obteve maiores valores para a força de ruptura. / The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical behavior of two implant/abutment connection designs; external hex and internal tri-channel, using conventional screws and experimental conical screws. The study was divided in two parts; the first evaluated the effect of mechanical loading in the torque loss of the screws. 40 implants were used. The implants and abutments were divided in 4 groups: Group 1: external hex/conventional screw (HE); Group 2: tri-channel/conventional screw (TI); Group 3: external hex/conical screw (HECM); Group 4: tri-channel/conical screw (TICM). The abutments were installed in their respective implants with a tightening torque of 32Ncm, after a 10 minute interval, loosening torque were measured. The abutments were installed again with a 32Ncm torque, and after 10 minutes, they were mechanically loaded, simulating 1 year of normal oral function; after loading, loosening torques of the screws were measured again. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA test, with significance level of p&le;0,05. Optical microscopy analysis were performed before and after the tests. The second part evaluated the flexural resistance of the implant/abutment assemblies. The same 40 assemblies were used. The tests were performed in an universal testing machine, with a 500kgf load cell, 1mm/min displacement, and 45&deg; angulation. Maximum bending moment (FMF) and rupture force (FR) were determined. Collected information were analyzed with one-way ANOVA test, for p&le;0,05. Optical microscopy analysis were performed for study of the components after the flexural resistance tests. The results suggested that there were significant differences (p=0,000) in the residual preload before and after mechanical loading between the two types of screws: conical screws showed significantly higher loosening torques than conventional flat screws. There were significant differences in the FMF obtained by the conventional flat screws and by the conical screws (p=0,000); the implant/abutment assemblies with conical screws presented higher flexural resistance. For the FR results, there was significant influence of the type of connection (p=0,019); the tri-channel connection presented better results. Considering the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the conical screws presented higher loosening torques compared to conventional flat screws; the design of the implant/abutment connection presented no significant influence on the loosening torques of the screws; conical screws showed higher bending moment values; and the tri-channel connection obtained higher rupture force values.