Bending moments of PEEK-based root analog implants (RAIs)

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Titanium dental implants can cause hypersensitivity.
• Metal-free alternatives are sought for root-analog implants.
• Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a promising biocompatible polymer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the bending moments of PEEK-based root analog implants (RAIs).
• To compare additively manufactured vs. milled PEEK RAIs.
• To assess PEEK RAIs as a metal-free alternative to titanium.

Main Methods:

• Fabricated 8 PEEK RAIs per tooth type (31 and 36) across 5 groups.
• Used extracted teeth for STL data to create implants.
• Manufactured implants via material extrusion (additive) or milling (subtractive).
• Subjected implants to artificial aging and static loading until fracture to determine bending moment.

Main Results:

• Milled, white PEEK RAIs for tooth 31 exhibited the highest bending moment (2835.3 ± 509.8 Nmm).
• Milled, unfilled PEEK RAIs for tooth 36 showed the highest bending moment (29342.6 ± 854.7 Nmm).
• Additive manufacturing resulted in significantly lower bending moments compared to milling.
• White, additively processed PEEK RAIs for tooth 36 had the lowest bending moment (19880.5 ± 7188.6 Nmm).

Conclusions:

• One-piece milled PEEK RAIs provide more predictable mechanical results than additively manufactured ones.
• Milled PEEK RAIs, particularly for molars, appear capable of withstanding oral cavity mechanical demands.
• PEEK RAIs represent a viable metal-free option for dental implantology.