title: Mechanical behavior of single-layer ceramized zirconia abutments for dental implant prosthetic rehabilitation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was undertaken to characterize the mechanical response of bare (as-received) and single-layer ceramized zirconia abutments with both internal and external connections that have been developed to enhanced aesthetic restorations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen zirconia implant abutments (ZiReal Post®, Biomet 3i, USA) with internal and external connections have been analyzed. Half of the specimens were coated with a 0.5mm-thick layer of a low-fusing fluroapatite ceramic. Mechanical tests were carried out under static (constant cross-head speed of 1mm/min until fracture) and dynamic (between 100 and 400N at a frequency of 1Hz) loading conditions. The failure location was identified by electron microscopy. The removal torque of the retaining screws after testing was also evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average fracture strength was above 300N for all the abutments, regardless of connection geometry and coating. In most of the cases (94%), failure occurred by abutment fracture. No significant differences were observed either in fatigue behavior and removal torque between the different abutment groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mechanical behavior of Zireal zirconia abutments is independent of the type of internal/external connection and the presence/absence of ceramic coating. This may be clinically valuable in dental rehabilitation to improve the aesthetic outcome of zirconia-based dental implant systems. Key words:Dental implant, zirconia, ceramic structure, mechanical properties.
authors: Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Seville, 41012, Seville, Spain.
authors: Manuel
authors: M
authors: Jiménez-Melendo
authors: Private dental practice. Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Oriol
authors: O
authors: Llena-Blasco
authors: Dental technician. Barcelona, Spain.
authors: August
authors: A
authors: Bruguera
authors: Private dental practice. Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Jaime
authors: J
authors: Llena-Blasco
authors: Department of Stomatology, University of Seville, 41009, Seville, Spain.
authors: Rosa-María
authors: RM
authors: Yáñez-Vico
authors: Department of Stomatology, University of Seville, 41009, Seville, Spain.
authors: Manuel
authors: M
authors: García-Calderón
authors: Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Seville, 41012, Seville, Spain.
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Vaquero-Aguilar
authors: Department of Stomatology, University of Seville, 41009, Seville, Spain.
authors: Rocío
authors: R
authors: Velázquez-Cayón
authors: Department of Stomatology, University of Seville, 41009, Seville, Spain ; Virgen del Rocío Hospital, Clinical Management Unit (UGC) Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Seville, Spain.
authors: José-Luis
authors: JL
authors: Gutiérrez-Pérez
authors: Department of Stomatology, University of Seville, 41009, Seville, Spain.
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Torres-Lagares