Load fatigue performance of four implant-abutment interface designs: effect of torque level and implant system.

PURPOSE Biomechanical load-fatigue performance data on single-tooth implant systems with different implant-abutment interface designs is lacking in the literature. This study evaluated the load fatigue performance of 4 implant-abutment interface designs (Brånemark-CeraOne; 3i Osseotite-STA abutment; Replace Select-Easy abutment; and Lifecore Stage-1-COC abutment system). The number of load cycles to fatigue failure of 4 implant-abutment designs was tested with a custom rotational load fatigue machine. The effect of increasing and decreasing the tightening torque by 20% respectively on the load fatigue performance was also investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three different tightening torque levels (recommended torque, -20% recommended torque, +20% recommended torque) were applied to the 4 implant systems. There were 12 test groups with 5 samples in each group. The rotational load fatigue machine subjected specimens to a sinusoidally applied 35 Ncm bending moment at a test frequency of 14 Hz. The number of cycles to failure was recorded. A cutoff of 5 x 10(6) cycles was applied as an upper limit. RESULTS There were 2 implant failures and 1 abutment screw failure in the Brånemark group. Five abutment screw failures and 4 implant failures was recorded for the 3i system. The Replace Select system had 1 implant failure. Five cone screw failures were noted for the Lifecore system. Analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant difference in load cycles to failure for the 4 different implant-abutment systems torqued at recommended torque level. A statistically significant difference was found between the -20% torque group and the +20% torque group (P < .05) for the 3i system. CONCLUSIONS Load fatigue performance and failure location is system specific and related to the design characteristics of the implant-abutment combination. It appeared that if the implant-abutment interface was maintained, load fatigue failure would occur at the weakest point of the implant. It is important to use the torque level recommended by the manufacturer.

[1]  K Wannfors,et al.  A prospective clinical evaluation of different single-tooth restoration designs on osseointegrated implants. A 3-year follow-up of Brånemark implants. , 1999, Clinical oral implants research.

[2]  M. Quirynen,et al.  A six-year prosthodontic study of 509 consecutively inserted implants for the treatment of partial edentulism. , 1992, The Journal of prosthetic dentistry.

[3]  J I Nicholls,et al.  Stress fatigue: basic principles and prosthodontic implications. , 1995, The International journal of prosthodontics.

[4]  G A Niznick,et al.  Bending overload and implant fracture: a retrospective clinical analysis. , 1996, The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants.

[5]  Morgan Mj,et al.  Fractures of the fixture component of an osseointegrated implant. , 1993 .

[6]  K. Tan,et al.  Critical bending moment of implant-abutment screw joint interfaces: effect of torque levels and implant diameter. , 2004, The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants.

[7]  P P Binon,et al.  Implants and components: entering the new millennium. , 2000, The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants.

[8]  M. Quirynen,et al.  Periodontal aspects of osseointegrated fixtures supporting a partial bridge. An up to 6-years retrospective study. , 1992, Journal of clinical periodontology.

[9]  M J Morgan,et al.  Fractures of the fixture component of an osseointegrated implant. , 1993, The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants.

[10]  S. Scholander.  A retrospective evaluation of 259 single-tooth replacements by the use of Brånemark implants. , 1999, The International journal of prosthodontics.

[11]  M. Norton.  In vitro evaluation of the strength of the conical implant-to-abutment joint in two commercially available implant systems. , 2000, The Journal of prosthetic dentistry.

[12]  S Toreskog,et al.  A 5-year multicenter study on implant-supported single crown restorations. , 1998, The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants.

[13]  B Rangert,et al.  Forces and moments on Branemark implants. , 1989, The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants.

[14]  S A Aquilino,et al.  Micromotion and dynamic fatigue properties of the dental implant-abutment interface. , 2001, The Journal of prosthetic dentistry.

[15]  Murat Cavit Cehreli,et al.  Evaluation of the mechanical characteristics of the implant-abutment complex of a reduced-diameter morse-taper implant. A nonlinear finite element stress analysis. , 2003, Clinical oral implants research.

[16]  K. Tan,et al.  Load fatigue performance of a single-tooth implant abutment system: effect of diameter. , 2006, The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants.

[17]  C. Goodman,et al.  Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health , 1988 .

[18]  J. Ganeles,et al.  Multicenter retrospective analysis of the solid-screw ITI implant for posterior single-tooth replacements. , 2002, The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants.

[19]  Ameen Khraisat,et al.  Fatigue resistance of two implant/abutment joint designs. , 2002, The Journal of prosthetic dentistry.

[20]  T Jemt,et al.  Loads and designs of screw joints for single crowns supported by osseointegrated implants. , 1992, The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants.

[21]  C J Goodacre,et al.  Clinical complications of osseointegrated implants. , 1999, The Journal of prosthetic dentistry.

[22]  C. Daly,et al.  Load fatigue performance of two implant-abutment combinations. , 1996, The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants.

[23]  G. Polizzi,et al.  Clinical application of narrow Brånemark System implants for single-tooth restorations. , 1999, The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants.

[24]  G. Priest.  Single-tooth implants and their role in preserving remaining teeth: a 10-year survival study. , 1999, The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants.

[25]  T. Jemt,et al.  Load factor control for implants in the posterior partially edentulous segment. , 1997, The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants.