Biomechanical efficiency of different implant-abutment connection: a systematic review of studies using photoelastic stress analysis

Purpose The present review aimed to comparatively evaluate the biomechanical efficiency of different implant-abutment connections studied by photoelastic stress analysis. Materials and methods A comprehensive online literature search was conducted on Medline (Pubmed), Web of Science, and Google Scholar from 2000(Jan) to 2023(Jan). Keywords used initially to carry out the search included implant-abutment connection & photoelastic stress analysis, and stress distribution in different implant-abutment connections. 34 photoelastic stress analysis studies were screened and 30 studies were excluded after the screening of the title, abstract and full article. Finally, 4 studies were included for complete review. Result The result of this systematic review showed that the internal connection was more efficient then the external connection as there was less marginal bone loss and favorable distribution of stress in internal connection. Conclusion Crestal bone loss is more in external connection when compared to internal connection. In Internal connection, there is more intimate contact between the abutment’s outer surface and implant which renders a more stable interface, which favoring uniform stress distribution and protects the retention screw.