Mechanical resistance of cemented post and core buildups for ITI-Bonefit implants

In order to improve the prosthetic versatility of the ITI-Bonefit implant system, a clinical technique was tested whereby a custom made post and core buildup was cemented into implants. Specially designed threaded and serrated posts were machined in precious metal. After the posts were seated into the threaded channel of the implants, cores were built using autopolymerizing resin. Those were then cast and cemented into the implants. For the remainder of the procedure, the buildups were treated like natural abutments using conventional prosthodontic techniques. Mechanical tests were performed to assess the clinical viability of these buildups. The ultimate tensile strength of annealed posts lies in the 700-800 N range. By comparison, the pull-out resistance of posts cemented into natural roots ranged between 108 and 177 N, and the maximum pull-out resistance of manufactured abutments is about 1040 N. When the resistance against lateral forces was tested, the cemented build-ups ranged between 981 and 1128 N, whereas natural teeth fractured between 206 and 903 N depending on the diameter of the root. Manufactured abutments failed at stress levels of about 1020 N. Considering these favorable results, we conclude that the technique described above can be applied clinically for further investigation. Additionally, we suggest some modifications in implant design that would enhance the versatility of the system.