The retention mechanics of LTI carbon, carbon-coated aluminum oxide, and uncoated aluminum oxide dental implants.

Abstract

The in vitro mechanical behavior of identical geometry LTI carbon, carbon-coated aluminum oxide, and uncoated aluminum oxide blade-type dental implants has been evaluated using rosette type strain gauges and a LVDT system. The implants served as a distal abutment for a three-unit fixed prosthesis and functioned for a period of 2 years in female baboons. The comparison of the LTI carbon implants to the carbon-coated aluminum oxide implants allowed for a study of the effect of implant elastic modulus on the mechanical behavior, while the comparison of the carbon-coated and uncoated aluminum oxide implants allowed for a study of the effect of chemical composition at the tissue-implant interface. The results of the mechanical testing indicate that the implant displacement response of the LTI carbon implants was greater than that of the carbon-coated and uncoated aluminum oxide implants. Little difference in displacement response was observed for the carbon-coated and uncoated aluminum oxide implants. No clear trend in the strain response of the buccal mandibular bone was observed for the three implant systems. The greatest differences in strain response, however, was observed between the uncoated aluminum oxide implants and the LTI carbon and carbon-coated aluminum oxide implants.