From the Research
A Morse tapered connection in dental implants is a conical interface between the implant body and abutment that creates a tight, friction-based seal when the components are joined together, providing superior seal against bacterial infiltration and excellent mechanical stability, as shown in a study published in 2024 1. This connection features a tapered design where the male component (abutment) fits precisely into the female component (implant), creating a self-locking mechanism through friction.
Advantages of Morse Tapered Connections
- Superior seal against bacterial infiltration, which reduces the risk of peri-implantitis and bone loss around the implant, as reported in a study published in 2017 2
- Excellent mechanical stability, minimizing micromovements and reducing stress on surrounding bone
- Distributes forces more evenly throughout the implant system, potentially extending the implant's lifespan
Disadvantages of Morse Tapered Connections
- Can be difficult to remove once seated, which complicates situations requiring abutment replacement or implant maintenance, as noted in a study published in 2022 3
- Precise manufacturing tolerances required for these connections increase production costs, potentially making these implant systems more expensive
- Some designs may also limit restorative flexibility compared to other connection types, as they often require specific compatible components from the same manufacturer A study published in 2015 4 reported a 20-year overall cumulative implant survival rate of 97.2% for fixed restorations supported by Morse-taper connection implants, with minimal marginal bone loss and complications. Another study published in 2011 5 showed a cumulative implant survival rate of 98.23% and an implant-crown success rate of 92.49% for Morse taper connection implants. Overall, the Morse tapered connection is a reliable and effective design for dental implants, offering several advantages and some disadvantages, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study published in 2024 1.