Dental Implants Implant Anatomy & Components 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'platform switching' refer to in implant dentistry?
- Changing the implant platform brand
- Using a narrower abutment diameter than the implant platform diameter (Correct answer)
- Switching from titanium to zirconia abutments
- Moving the implant to a different jaw position
Correct answer: Using a narrower abutment diameter than the implant platform diameter
Platform switching uses an abutment with a smaller diameter than the implant platform to shift the microgap inward and preserve crestal bone.
Question 2: A Morse taper implant-abutment connection is characterized by:
- A screw retained connection only
- A friction-fit conical connection (Correct answer)
- An external hex design
- A butt-joint flat connection
Correct answer: A friction-fit conical connection
Morse taper connections use a conical friction-fit interface that provides strong mechanical stability and reduces micro-movement at the junction.
Question 3: What is the function of the implant cover screw?
- Attaches the crown permanently
- Seals the implant during submerged healing (Correct answer)
- Holds the abutment in place
- Prevents infection post-surgery
Correct answer: Seals the implant during submerged healing
The cover screw closes the implant fixture during the submerged (two-stage) healing protocol to protect the internal connection.
Question 4: Which type of implant connection features a six-sided external protrusion for torque transfer?
- Internal hex
- External hex (Correct answer)
- Morse taper
- Spline connection
Correct answer: External hex
External hex connections have a hexagonal protrusion on top of the implant that fits into the abutment to resist rotational forces.
Question 5: What is the recommended torque value range for tightening most implant abutment screws?
- 5–10 Ncm
- 15–35 Ncm (Correct answer)
- 50–70 Ncm
- 80–100 Ncm
Correct answer: 15–35 Ncm
Most manufacturers recommend abutment screw torque of 15–35 Ncm to ensure proper seating without stripping or fatigue fracture.
Question 6: Zirconia implants compared to titanium implants offer which primary advantage?
- Superior osseointegration
- Higher fracture resistance
- Better esthetics in thin gingival biotypes (Correct answer)
- Lower cost
Correct answer: Better esthetics in thin gingival biotypes
Zirconia's tooth-colored appearance eliminates the gray shadow sometimes visible through thin gum tissue, making it preferred for esthetic zones.
Dental Implants Implant Anatomy & Components 2
What does 'platform switching' refer to in implant dentistry?