Load-bearing capacity of functioning alumina dental endosseous implants

The average load that did not produce measurable plastic deformation (5 mum) of the bone that supported six Al2O3 implants in this study was 57.5 kg. Histological slides from specimens that were loaded to the point that measurable plastic deformation (5 mum) was produced showed lines along which stain was concentrated. These lines emanated from the point of maximum stress and extended in the direction of the applied load. They were concluded to indicate regions of microplastic deformation. No untoward histological response to the solid Al2O3 implants was observed and no evidence of apical migration of epithelial tissue was noted.