STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Component fracture and screw loosening are prevalent concerns of contemporary dental implants. PURPOSE: This laboratory investigation examined the influence of design factors such as the platform diameter and the hex height on the mechanical strength and quality of fit of the implant-abutment interface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Static and cyclic compressive bending tests were conducted on 4 and 5 mm diameter bone density-based implants. SEM evaluation of the implant-abutment interface was also conducted to assess quality of fit between the mating components.Results. The 5 mm diameter implant was stronger in both static and fatigue conditions than the 4 mm diameter implants. A comparison of the results to published literature indicated that both implants were equal to or superior to alternative prosthetic connections in an identical testing configuration. CONCLUSION: Test results demonstrated the validity of wide diameter implants to reduce the likelihood of component fracture in contemporary dental implant systems.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Component fracture and screw loosening are prevalent concerns of contemporary dental implants. PURPOSE: This laboratory investigation examined the influence of design factors such as the platform diameter and the hex height on the mechanical strength and quality of fit of the implant-abutment interface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Static and cyclic compressive bending tests were conducted on 4 and 5 mm diameter bone density-based implants. SEM evaluation of the implant-abutment interface was also conducted to assess quality of fit between the mating components.Results. The 5 mm diameter implant was stronger in both static and fatigue conditions than the 4 mm diameter implants. A comparison of the results to published literature indicated that both implants were equal to or superior to alternative prosthetic connections in an identical testing configuration. CONCLUSION: Test results demonstrated the validity of wide diameter implants to reduce the likelihood of component fracture in contemporary dental implant systems.