Strength and biocompatibility of polymethacrylate-silica composite dental implant materials

A study was made of the strength properties of several composite dental implant materials composed of silica microspheres (6%, 24%, and 48% by weight) and PMMA. Prepared specimens of the materials were tested for compressive strength and tensile strength as a function of the curing methods. Compressive strength was reduced only slightly when the 6% mixture was used, as compared to 100% PMMA, but the compressive strengths of the 12% and 24% mixtures were reduced by approximately 30% when compared to 100% PMMA. The compressive strengths of these materials were reduced even further after curing in a microwave oven, and the tensile strengths decreased to a greater degree. The 6% mixture was reduced by 38% in the heat-cured specimens and was reduced by 27% in the microwave-cured specimens. Tooth replica implants were placed in baboons and the peri-implant tissues were studied histologically after 6 months. Inflammation was minimal. Peri-implant alveolar bone was viable and active, and both connective tissue and epithelial attachment to the implant surface was evident.