Fatigue properties of hollow zirconia implants

The objective of this study was to clarify the fatigue behavior of hollow yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) specimens assuming its use for two-piece implants. The fatigue properties of a solid specimen (which simulated a one-piece implant) and 3 types of hollow specimens (which simulated two-piece implants) were evaluated. Specimens were either solid with a diameter of 4.0 mm (S) or hollow with an inner diameter of 3.0 mm and outer diameters of 4.0 mm (H0.5), 4.5 mm (H0.75), or 5.0 mm (H1.0). For each group, 25 specimens were prepared followed by blast and acid etch treatment. Static fracture and cyclic fatigue tests were conducted by modifying the methods provided in ISO6872. Fracture modes were determined by observing the surfaces under a scanning electron microscope. As a result, the cyclic fatigue load of S and H1.0 were similar, and hollow specimens with outer diameters greater than 0.75 mm displayed the ability to withstand molar occlusal forces.