Feasibility study of a partially hollow configuration for zirconia dental implants.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of a new shape configuration involving a partially hollow and porous lower part for dental implants.


METHODS
Cylindrical zirconia dental implants coated with bioactive glass were fabricated in the laboratory. Each implant has a solid upper part and a partially hollow lower part. It is open at the bottom with holes through the lower cylindrical walls. This hollow and porous configuration permits bone growth into the lower part of the implant that, over time, forms an interlinked network to lock the implant into the alveolar bone. Biomechanical properties of the new design were evaluated through material testing and experiments with dogs.


RESULTS
Mechanical testing of bending strength, hardness, fracture toughness, and fatigue life indicated that zirconia implants with the proposed partially hollow configuration can be fabricated to have structural properties comparable to or exceeding the usual requirements for implants. Animal testing suggests that there is appreciable improvement in lock-in strength and osteointegration due to the hollow and porous configuration.


CONCLUSIONS
The new shape configuration is biomechanically feasible and further research is warranted to improve the design for human use.
Zhu
Jinwen
J
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. jinwenzhu2004@yahoo.com.cn
Yang
Dong-Wei
DW
Ma
Fai
F
D000818:Animals; D002516:Ceramics; D015921:Dental Implants; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D004285:Dogs; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006244:Hardness; D008422:Materials Testing; D016348:Osseointegration; D018583:Pliability; D016062:Porosity; D013499:Surface Properties; D015019:Yttrium; D015040:Zirconium
C022107:Bioglass; D015921:Dental Implants; C499362:yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D015019:Yttrium; D015040:Zirconium