Shock absorbability of various restorative materials used on implants

The purpose of this study was to compare, using an in vitro model, the stress absorbing ability of a microfilled composite resin and of a new low fusion ceramic (Duceram LFC) to that of gold alloy and conventional ceramic, when used as restorative materials in implant-supported prosthesis. Test crowns made of the tested materials were rigidly connected to a Brånemark implant clone. The maximum amplitude of the force transmitted to the bone-implant interface, and the time to reach this amplitude were measured after applying a 100 N impact load on the occlusal surface. The gold alloy restorations transmitted the highest impact force in the shortest delay at the bone-implant interface. Microfilled composite resin Dentacolor, and low fusion ceramic Duceram LFC did not reduce the amplitude of the impact-force when compared to conventional ceramic. Nevertheless, the time to reach the maximum amplitude of this force was longer when using composite resin than when using ceramic, while Duceram LFC had no influence on this criteria.