Fracture of Zirconia Abutments in Implant Treatments: A Systematic Review

Abutment removal torque and implant conical surface morphological changes after standardized artificial aging: An in vitro study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Zirconia abutments have become popular as they provide favorable esthetic outcomes. However, studies investigating how abutment material affects abutment screw torque performance and implant conical surface morphological changes in internal conical connection systems are scarce.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of abutment material on abutment removal torque and implant conical surface morphological changes in internal conical connection implant-abutment assemblies of 2 diameters after simulated long-term oral use.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty abutments of 3 materials (1-piece titanium, 1-piece zirconia, zirconia with alloy base) and 2 diameters (regular, narrow) made by the original manufacturer were connected to internal conical connection implants and subjected to a standardized artificial aging process consisting of thermal cycling and mechanical cyclic loading with parameters corresponding to anterior and posterior mastication scenarios simulating long-term oral use. An abutment removal torque test was done before and after aging. Morphological changes in the implant conical contact surface were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Initial and after-aging torque loss values were calculated and analyzed separately with 1-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc tests (α=.05).

RESULTS

All specimens survived artificial aging. For initial and after-aging torque loss, the 1-piece zirconia groups showed significantly greater values (P<.001) for both diameters. In the SEM observation, the 1-piece zirconia groups showed distinct widespread surface damage while the other groups exhibited only minor damages.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of diameter, 1-piece zirconia abutments tend to induce more abutment removal torque loss and implant conical surface morphological changes than those with metal connections, both initially and after simulated long-term oral use. Zirconia abutments with an alloy base performed similarly to 1-piece titanium abutments.

The Fracture Resistance Comparison between Titanium and Zirconia Implant Abutments with and without Ageing: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Implant abutments are essential components of implant prosthetic restorations. The golden standard for abutment material is titanium; however, due to its properties, the esthetic result can be compromised. The most popular esthetic material alternatives are one- and two-piece zirconia. The study aimed to answer the questions of whether zirconia abutments can be used interchangeably with titanium in both anterior and posterior regions and how aging of the abutment affects durability. For this study, an electronic search of MEDLINE (PubMed) and Scopus (Embase) was conducted. The PRISMA guidelines were followed, and a systematic review was registered with PROSPERO. The search revealed 4031 results, of which 17 studies were selected. The strongest material for abutments is titanium, closely followed by two-piece zirconia. One-piece zirconia abutments were the weakest. The cyclic loading above 1,000,000 cycles decreased the fracture resistance of the abutments. Differences in implant diameter, angulation, and restoration affected the fracture strength of all compared materials. The main mode of failure for titanium abutments was screw bending or screw fracture. One-piece zirconia most often presented catastrophic failure with internal hexagon fracture below the implant neck. Two-piece zirconia exhibits a combination of failure modes. Two-piece zirconia abutments may be suitable for use in the posterior region, given their comparable fracture resistance to titanium abutments. Despite the fact that one-piece zirconia is capable of withstanding forces that exceed those exerted during mastication, it is recommended that it be employed primarily in the anterior dentition due to its propensity for unfavorable failure modes.

Comparison of Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Around Zirconia and Titanium Abutments in the Aesthetic Zone: A Narrative Review

This narrative review compares the peri-implant soft tissue responses around zirconia and titanium abutments in the aesthetic zone, emphasizing their mechanical, biological, and aesthetic properties. Titanium abutments, known for their excellent mechanical strength and fatigue resistance, have traditionally been the standard in dental restorations but face challenges in aesthetic integration due to their metallic appearance and potential for higher inflammatory responses. Zirconia abutments, emerging as a promising alternative, offer superior aesthetic outcomes, reduced plaque accumulation, and lower inflammatory responses, making them ideal for use in visible areas with thin soft tissue biotypes. However, zirconia's mechanical properties, such as lower fracture resistance, necessitate careful clinical application. The review also highlights rare instances of titanium allergies, underscoring the importance of individualized treatment planning and regular monitoring to ensure the longevity and success of implant restorations.

Implant-supported single all-ceramic crowns made from prefabricated (stock) or individualized CAD/CAM zirconia abutments: A 5 year randomized clinical trial

AIM

The aim of this randomized, prospective, and clinical multicenter study was to compare the overall clinical performance of two restorative options over a 5-year period: individualized CAD/CAM abutments veneered with a hand-layered ceramic, and prefabricated zirconium dioxide abutments veneered with press ceramic and inserted into a single edentulous gap in the anterior maxilla.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty subjects were recruited from two universities: 20 from the University of XX and 20 from the University of XY. Each subject received an implant to restore a single edentulous gap in the maxillary anterior region (14-24 FDI). 20 patients were randomized into each Group. Group A received a one-piece single crown produced from a prefabricated zirconia abutment with pressed ceramic and Group B received an individualized CAD/CAM zirconia abutment with a hand-layered technique. After 5 years, the aesthetic and radiographic parameters were assessed.

RESULTS

Group A had four dropouts and one failure, resulting in a 95% survival rate and 95% success rate. Group B had two dropouts and two failures which resulted in a 90% survival rate and 90% success rate. No crestal bone level changes were observed, with a mean DIB of 0.06 mm in Group A and 0.09 mm in Group B. No statistically significant differences were present at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years for DIB values between time points and groups. Pink aesthetic score/white aesthetic score, Peri-Implant and Crown Index, and Implant Crown Aesthetic Index values were stable over time at all five points for both groups.

CONCLUSION

Both implant-supported restorative options represent a valuable treatment option for the restoration of implant crowns in the anterior maxilla.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In general, the use of ceramic abutments in the anterior zone represents a valuable treatment procedure with both standardized and CAD/CAM individualized abutments and following the recommendations from the respective manufacturer(s).

One-piece versus two-piece zirconia abutment supported single implant crown in the esthetic region: 3-Year results from a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the clinical, radiographic, and immunological outcomes between one-piece versus two-piece zirconia abutments supported single implant crowns in the esthetic region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study followed a split-mouth, double-blind, and randomized controlled clinical design for a duration of 3 years. Twenty-two eligible patients with 44 implants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 (one-piece zirconia abutment with zirconia base, n = 22) and Group 2 (two-piece zirconia abutment with titanium base, n = 22). The primary outcome was the technical complication rate. Additionally, survival rates, cytokines concentrations in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF), peri-implant conditions, marginal bone loss, and pink/white esthetics score (PES/WES) were assessed as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Twelve of 22 patients attended the 1-year follow-up (due to the COVID pandemic), and 19 patients attended the 3-year examination. Two abutments in Group 1 were fractured after 10 and 12 months in function. Additionally, one screw loosening occurred in Group 1 at 1-year follow-up. The 3-year technical complication rate was significantly higher in Group 1 than that in Group 2 (15.79% vs. 0%, p < .001). The 3-year implant survival rate was 100% in both groups. The concentration of IFN-γ in PICF was significantly upregulated in Group 2 (p = .018). Furthermore, the IL-6 concentration was positively correlated with BOP% (p = .020).

CONCLUSIONS

Two-piece zirconia abutments exhibited superior technical performance compared to one-piece designs during a 3-year follow-up in the anterior region. However, further long-term research is necessary to verify the immunological stability of two-piece zirconia abutments.

Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) Light Photofunctionalization to Induce Human Oral Fibroblast Transmigration on Zirconia

Soft tissue adhesion and sealing around dental and maxillofacial implants, related prosthetic components, and crowns are a clinical imperative to prevent adverse outcomes of periodontitis and periimplantitis. Zirconia is often used to fabricate implant components and crowns. Here, we hypothesized that UV treatment of zirconia would induce unique behaviors in fibroblasts that favor the establishment of a soft tissue seal. Human oral fibroblasts were cultured on zirconia specimens to confluency before placing a second zirconia specimen (either untreated or treated with one minute of 172 nm vacuum UV (VUV) light) next to the first specimen separated by a gap of 150 µm. After seven days of culture, fibroblasts only transmigrated onto VUV-treated zirconia, forming a 2.36 mm volume zone and 5.30 mm leading edge. Cells migrating on VUV-treated zirconia were enlarged, with robust formation of multidirectional cytoplastic projections, even on day seven. Fibroblasts were also cultured on horizontally placed and 45° and 60° tilted zirconia specimens, with the latter configurations compromising initial attachment and proliferation. However, VUV treatment of zirconia mitigated the negative impact of tilting, with higher tilt angles increasing the difference in cellular behavior between control and VUV-treated specimens. Fibroblast size, perimeter, and diameter on day seven were greater than on day one exclusively on VUV-treated zirconia. VUV treatment reduced surface elemental carbon and induced superhydrophilicity, confirming the removal of the hydrocarbon pellicle. Similar effects of VUV treatment were observed on glazed zirconia specimens with silica surfaces. One-minute VUV photofunctionalization of zirconia and silica therefore promotes human oral fibroblast attachment and proliferation, especially under challenging culture conditions, and induces specimen-to-specimen transmigration and sustainable photofunctionalization for at least seven days.

Screw-retained internal connection zirconia CAD-CAM abutments in single implant reconstructions: Results of a 1-year prospective case series study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of single-tooth implant restorations using one-piece, internally connected, screw-retained, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufactured monolithic zirconia restorations fabricated on regular diameter implants.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Following a 2-stage surgical procedure, 22 implants placed in anterior and posterior areas in 21 partially edentulous patients (mean age of 55 years; 9 males/12 females) were evaluated in terms of plaque index, pocket probing depth, bleeding on probing, level of oral hygiene (OH), signs of mucositis/peri-implantitis, esthetic score (ES), gingival zenith position (GZP), papilla index score, the thickness of peri-implant gingiva, radiographic marginal bone loss, and technical complications. Implants and restorations were prospectively followed from the insertion of the restoration (baseline), up to 12-months post-loading.

RESULTS

A 100% implant survival rate resulted after loading; one implant was lost before loading. Clinically, patients performed an adequate OH, and tissues were kept healthy. Probing depth showed a slightly lower value at baseline compared to any follow-up examination (2.26 [0.94] at baseline vs. 2.53 [0.66] mm at 12 months). ES, GZP, and the thickness of the peri-implant gingiva improved throughout the course of the study. Radiographically, average marginal bone level (MBL) was 0.40 (0.40) mm after 1-year follow-up with no differences in average MBL at all time points. Technically, after 1 year of clinical function, neither abutment fracture nor any other serious complications occurred. Hence, prosthetic reconstruction survival rate was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical outcomes of single-tooth implant restorations using internally connected, screw-retained, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing monolithic zirconia abutments can be considered a reliable treatment alternative after 1-year clinical observation.

The effect of different abutment materials on peri-implant tissues-A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

In patients with dental implants, what is the effect of transmucosal components made of materials other than titanium (alloys) compared to titanium (alloys) on the surrounding peri-implant tissues after at least 1 year?

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic review included eligible randomized controlled trials identified through an electronic search (Medline, Embase and Web of Science) comparing alternative abutment materials versus titanium (alloy) abutments with a minimum follow-up of 1 year and including at least 10 patients/group. Primary outcomes were peri-implant marginal bone level (MBL) and probing depth (PD), these were evaluated based on meta-analyses. Abutment survival, biological and technical complications and aesthetic outcomes were the secondary outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed with the RoB2-tool. This review is registered in PROSPERO with the number (CRD42022376487).

RESULTS

From 5129 titles, 580 abstracts were selected, and 111 full-text articles were screened. Finally, 12 articles could be included. Concerning the primary outcomes (MBL and PD), no differences could be seen between titanium abutment and zirconia or alumina abutments, not after 1 year (MBL: zirconia: MD = -0.24, 95% CI: -0.65 to 0.16, alumina: MD = -0.06, 95% CI: -0.29 to 0.17) (PD: zirconia: MD = -0.06, 95% CI: -0.41 to 0.30, alumina: MD = -0.29, 95% CI: -0.96 to 0.38), nor after 5 years. Additionally, no differences were found concerning the biological complications and aesthetic outcomes. The most important technical finding was abutment fracture in the ceramic group and chipping of the veneering material.

CONCLUSIONS

Biologically, titanium and zirconia abutments seem to function equally up to 5 years after placement.

The effect of abutment material stiffness on the mechanical behavior of dental implant assemblies: A 3D finite element study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the stress distribution and microgap formation in implant assemblies with conical abutments made of different materials under an oblique load.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mechanical behavior of an implant assembly with a titanium abutment was analyzed and compared with that of an assembly with a Y-TZP abutment using finite element analysis (FEA). A torque of 20 Ncm was first applied to the abutment screw, followed by oblique loads of 10 N-280 N applied to the prosthesis placed on the implant. The maximum stress in the abutment screw, the microgap formation process, and the critical load for bridging the internal implant space were evaluated.

RESULTS

No significant difference in stress distribution between the two cases was observed, with the stresses being mainly concentrated at the top half of the screw (the predicted maximum von Mises stress was approximately 1200 MPa at 280 N). The area in contact at the implant-to-abutment interface decreased with increasing load for both abutments, with the critical load for bridging the internal implant space being roughly 140 N. The maximum gap size being was approximately 470 μm with either abutment.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in the stress distribution or microgap formed between implant assemblies with titanium and Y-TZP abutments having an internal conical connection.

Implant deformation and implant-abutment fracture resistance after standardized artificial aging: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Zirconia abutments have been widely adopted in clinical implant practice. The unique mechanical properties of zirconia may significantly affect the long-term prognosis of implant treatments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of abutment material on implant deformation and fracture resistance of internal conical connection implant-abutment complexes of two diameters after standardized artificial aging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty original abutments (one-piece titanium, one-piece zirconia, zirconia with alloy base) with two diameters (regular, narrow) were connected to internal conical connection implants and subjected to a standardized artificial aging process consisting of thermal cycling and mechanical cyclic loading. Microcomputed tomography (μCT) scans of implant bodies were performed before and after aging. 3-dimensional images of implant bodies were generated from the μCT scans and aligned for before and after aging to calculate the volumetric deformation amount. Finally, fracture resistance was measured using a mechanical static loading test for the surviving aged and 30 brand-new specimens.

RESULTS

All specimens survived artificial aging. No significant difference in implant deformation was found in the regular groups (p = 0.095). In narrow groups, the one-piece zirconia group showed significantly less deformation (p < 0.0001). For fracture resistance, no significant decrease was observed after aging in any group (p > 0.05). One-piece zirconia abutments showed significantly lower strength than the other two materials for both diameters (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the regular diameter system, abutment material had no significant influence on the tested mechanical property degradation after simulated long-term oral use. The mechanical performance of narrow diameter one-piece zirconia abutments differed from the other two materials. For optimal performance, one-piece zirconia abutments should be adopted only in anterior regions.

Effect of Titanium-Base Abutment Height on Optical Properties of Monolithic Anterior Zirconia Crowns

The effects of different heights of ti-base abutments on the color of anterior screw-retained zirconia restorations fabricated using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technologies may affect the optical clinical outcome. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the color parameters of zirconia crowns in different shades on ti-base abutments. Identical specimens (N = 160) were milled to restore the screw-retained central maxillary incisor crown, using 5% mol yttria zirconia (5Y-TZP). The specimens were designed using computer design software to match 3.5 mm and 5.5-mm ti-base abutments and milled using one CAD-CAM technology. Specimens were divided into four main groups depending on zirconia shade (A1/0, A2/3, A3.5/4 and B2/3) and then assigned to two subgroups according to ti-base height. Color measurements in the CIELab coordinates were made using a spectrophotometer under room-light conditions. Color difference (ΔE*) values were calculated using the CIE76 and CIEDE2000 formula. Within the group of A0/1 and A2/3, for 5.5 mm abutment height, a significant difference was found between the means of colors ∆E00 and ∆Eab (p < 0.01). Using a 5.5 mm-height ti-base abutment may produce a clinically unacceptable outcome (ΔEab > 2) in A1/0 and A2/3 color groups.

Comparison of the Clinical Outcomes of Titanium and Zirconia Implant Abutments: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews

Background: Dental implants are widely used and in order to answer to esthetic demands, zirconia has been introduced as an abutment material as an alternative to titanium. Several studies have been published on this topic, but the results have been often inconsistent. The objective of the present study is to systematically analyze the existing literature comparing clinical outcomes of titanium and zirconia implant abutments. The study was designed as a systematic review of systematic reviews. Methods: This systematic review is in accordance with the Transparent Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. A MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and SCOPUS literature search was performed up to and including June 2021. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers and tAMSTAR2 was used to assess the quality of the systematic reviews. Results: The electronic search identified 1146 papers, and 175 duplicates were removed. After manual screening, 954 studies were excluded and the final analysis was conducted on 11 papers. Both mechanical and esthetic outcomes and biological complications were analyzed. Conclusions: It can be concluded that titanium abutments have a better mechanical resistance than zirconia ones. Plaque accumulation is reported to be slightly higher on titanium but without any significant inflammatory process. The esthetic outcomes seem to be more related to the thickness (>3 mm) of the soft tissues than to the abutment material.

Comparing the Fracture Resistance and Modes of Failure in Different Types of CAD/CAM Zirconia Abutments with Internal Hexagonal Implants: An In Vitro Study

Three groups of zirconia abutments (n = 5) consisting of different connection designs or manufacturers were investigated (All-Zr, ASC-Zr, and AM-Zr groups). All-electric dynamic test instruments were used to place static loading on a specimen with a crosshead speed set at 1 mm/min. A Kruskal-Wallis test and a post hoc Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical evaluation. The mean fracture resistance was 252.37 ± 82.79 N for the All-Zr group, 384.62 ± 45.24 N for ASC-Zr group, and 361.83 ± 90.31 N for the AM-Zr group. The difference of fracture resistance between the three groups was marginally significant (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.054), with the ASC zirconia abutment tending to have higher fracture resistance than the full zirconia abutment. The modes of failure among the three types of abutments are different. The All-Zr group showed an oblique fracture line starting from the buccal aspect at the region of the implant platform. While the ASC-Zr and AM-Zr groups showed a relatively horizontal fracture line with a greater distance from the implant platform. The titanium inserts cannot significantly improve the fracture resistance of the zirconia abutment. However, they may alter the modes of failure, allowing buccal fracture surfaces of the zirconia abutments to be placed away from the implant platform, thereby protecting the implant-abutment connection.

Five-year randomized controlled clinical study comparing cemented and screw-retained zirconia-based implant-supported single crowns

Objectives

To compare screw‐retained and cemented all‐ceramic implant‐supported single crowns regarding biological and technical outcomes over a 5‐year observation period.

Materials and methods

In 44 patients, 44 two‐piece dental implants were placed in single‐tooth gaps in the esthetic zone. Patients randomly received a screw‐retained (SR) or cemented (CR) all‐ceramic single crown and were then re‐examined annually up to 5 years. Outcome measures included: clinical, biological, technical, and radiographic parameters. Data were statistically analyzed with Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney, Wilcoxon, and Fisher's exact tests.

Results

During the observation period, three patients (6.8%) were loss to follow‐up. Eight restorations (18.2%, CI (8.2%, 32.7%)) were lost due to technical (6 patients, 13.6% (CI (5.2%, 27.4%)), 2 CR and 4 SR group, intergroup p = .673; implants still present) or biological complications (2 patients, 4.5% (CI (0.6%, 16.5%)), only CR group, intergroup p = .201, both implants lost). This resulted in a survival rate of 81.2% (CI (65.9%, 90.1%)) on the restorative level (18 SR; 15 CR, 3 lost to follow‐up). At the 5‐year follow‐up, the median marginal bone levels were located slightly apical relative to the implant shoulder with 0.4 mm (0.5; 0.3) (SR) and 0.4 mm (0.8; 0.3) (CR) (intergroup p = .582). Cemented restorations demonstrated a significantly higher biological complication rate (36.8%, SR: 0.0%; intergroup p = .0022), as well as a significantly higher overall complication rate (68.4%, SR: 22.7%, intergroup p = .0049). All other outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > .05).

Conclusions

All‐ceramic single‐tooth restorations on two‐piece dental implants resulted in a relatively low survival rate. Cemented restorations were associated with a higher biological and overall complication rate than screw‐retained restorations.

Hybrid abutment during prosthetic planning and oral rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

The present study aims to describe through a literature review, the characteristics and properties of hybrid abutments, as well as their proper use as a new rehabilitation strategy.

METHODS

A bibliographic search was conducted in the main health databases Pubmed (www.pubmed.gov) and Google Scholar (www.scholar.google.com.br), in which studies published from 2001 to 2020 were collected. Laboratory studies, case reports, systematic and literature reviews were included. Therefore, articles that do not adress the characteristics and properties of hybrid abutments were excluded. In addition, studies that did not report the use of hybrid abutments as a new rehabilitation strategy.

RESULTS

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 80 research articles were selected and 20 were excluded, while 25 in vitro, 17 in vivo and 9 in silico studies were reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature demonstrates that hybrid abutments are an excellent alternative in cases of implant-supported rehabilitation, presenting high esthetic results, associated with good soft tissue response, periimplant marginal bone stability and adequate stress distribution during the masticatory loads dissipation.

Hybrid-abutment-restoration: effect of material type on torque maintenance and fracture resistance after thermal aging

Purpose

To evaluate the tightening torque maintenance with zirconia, lithium disilicate, and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) hybrid-abutment-crowns after thermal aging, in addition to assess the fracture resistance of hybrid-abutment-crowns fabricated with different materials.

Materials and methods

Thirty implants were restored with identical hybrid-abutment-crowns, resembling the maxillary first premolar, fabricated from zirconia (Zr), lithium disilicate (L2), or ceramic-reinforced PEEK (PE). The three groups (n = 10) were constructed utilizing a Ti-base. After bonding, each restoration was secured in its respective implant with a torque of 25 Ncm. All restorations were subjected to thermal aging for 7000 cycles. The loosening torque was assessed utilizing the digital torque meter. Each restoration was subjected to fracture testing and the mode of failure was determined.

Results

Zr group displayed the highest mean torque loss value (2.70 ± 0.59 Ncm) with the mean loosening torque value of 22.38 ± 0.68 Ncm. PE group displayed the lowest mean torque loss (2.55 ± 0.50 Ncm) with mean loosening torque value of 22.61 ± 0.59 Ncm. There was no significant difference between study groups regarding loosening torque (p = 0.68), torque loss (p = 0.80), and percentage of torque loss (p = 0.79). There was significant difference regarding the mean fracture load value between Zr and PE groups. However, there was no significant difference (p = 0.05) regarding mean fracture load value between L2 and PE groups.

Conclusion

The hybrid-abutment-crown material does not affect the torque maintenance after thermal aging. Based on fracture load, zirconia hybrid-abutment-crown can be used, while lithium disilicate and PEEK hybrid-abutment-crowns may cautiously serve in premolar region.