Mechanical characterization of an innovative dental implant system.

Purpose: The research presented is aimed at the characterization of the mechanical resistance of an innovative system of an abutment-fixture connection in dental implants. This innovative connection system is composed of a triangular prismatic connection designed to improve the anti-rotational properties of the implant, and to seal any gap between the abutment and the fixture.

Methods: The mechanical performances of the dental implant system were investigated by means of static mechanical strength tests, which allowed the identification of the bending, torque and compression resistance of the system, and fatigue testing, according to the practice standard - ISO 14801. Surface finishing was also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations and laser profilometry tests.

Results: The analyzed implant exhibited good mechanical characteristics, both in static and in fatigue tests. Moreover, the gap between the fixture and the abutment detected by SEM analyses was restricted, both before and after fatigue tests, being approximately 4 mum in the worst case observed: this is representative of optimal sealing against fluid infiltration.

Conclusions: The modification of traditional dental implants with the introduction of a triangular prismatic connection system not only allowed the implant rotational stability and sealing performances to increase, but also conferred optimal mechanical resistance to the implant.