Evaluation of Magnetic Retention Abutments in Implant Supported Prostheses

Abstract

 Aim of the Study: In the fixation of dentures in the treatment of edentulous or
partially edentulous patients a retentive material is required which is not prone
to corrosion. The clinical applicability of titan magnets was investigated as well
as their long-term use and metal stability in order to minimize complications.
Materials and Methods: The Steco magnet system used during the period from
1996 to 2003 was evaluated in regard to the defects observed in their casing.
The broken magnets were taken out and analyzed under a microscope in regard
to the nature of the fractures. The rate of complications was classified in defect
classes I (without loss of cover), II (with loss of cover), III (fracture of the
threads) and IV (defect of the oppositional magnet located in the Prosthesis).
Results: Of the 725 magnetic inserts available for examination, 77 proved
defect or showed extreme signs of wear. Most of the fractures were categorised
into class I, meaning a fracture with loss of the cover. The magnet field strength
proved to be stable, only less than 3 % showed signs decreasing field strength.
Conclusion: The 77 defect magnetic Inserts with titan cover belonged mostly to
the first generation of the magnet system. In this generation the welding-seam
was done manually