title: Scanning electron microscopy fractography analysis of fractured hollow implants.
abstract: Fracture of the implant is one of the possible complications affecting dental implants; it is a rare event but of great clinical relevance. The aim of the present study was to perform a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fractography evaluation of 7 International Team for oral Implantology (ITI) hollow implants removed because of fracture. The most common clinical risk factors, such as malocclusion, bruxism, and cantilevers on the prosthesis, were absent. Seven fractured ITI hollow implants were retrieved from 5 patients and were analyzed with the use of SEM. SEM analysis showed typical signs of a cleavage-type fracture. Fractures could be due to an association of multiple factors such as fatigue, inner defects, material electrochemical problems, and tensocorrosion.
authors.affiliation: Dental School, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Ludovico
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sbordone
authors.forename: Tonino
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Traini
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Caputi
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scarano
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bortolaia
authors.forename: Adriano
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Piattelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003343:Corrosion; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D014025:Titanium