Use of High Performance Polymers as Dental Implant Abutments and Frameworks: A Case Series Report

Abstract

Dental implant abutments can be made of different materials including titanium, gold, zirconia, alumina, and polymeric materials. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high performance thermoplastic polymer that can be used as a dental implant abutment material. It has an elastic modulus comparable to bone and can reduce stress shielding. PEEK is a radiolucent material that can allow better radiographic imaging of peri-implant tissues and can be veneered with composite materials or bonded to ceramics. PEEK is widely used in orthopedic and spinal surgeries, and it possesses mechanical and biological characteristics that encourage its use as dental implant abutments. This article will review the use of PEEK in dentistry and in particular as a dental implant abutment and over implant framework. Clinical reports will be presented to suggest some uses of PEEK materials in implant dentistry.

Areas for use of PEEK material in dentistry

“…Moreover, the abutment has to be a material that meets the mechanical, biological and aesthetic expectations (28,29). Various materials such as titanium, gold, zirconium and ceramics are made use of in the production of abutments (30). Although titanium and alloys have several disadvantages such as corrosion and causing over-sensitivity reactions, they are the most frequently selected materials in the production of implants and abutments and have been accepted as the gold standard (31).…”

“…Aesthetic problems are seen particularly where there is the presence of gingival tissue of a fine biotype. In addition, gold is a material with a low possibility for use in respect of costs (30). Zirconium abutments become worn intraorally over time.…”

“…It is thought that the stress-based problems of PEEK in implantology could be overcome. Furthermore, because of the high mechanical properties, it has been advocated that this material can be used both as an abutment and prosthetic material (30). However, there are very few studies that have analyzed the stress created in this material.…”

“…Radiolucency facilitates the determination of periimplant cement remains. However, the radiolucence of PEEK makes the evaluation of the compatibility of PEEK prostheses with screw retention more difficult on radiographs (30). To be able to observe PEEK material on radiographs more easily, in other words to increase the radio-opacity, barium sulfate must be added (17).…”

PEEK in dentistry, properties and application areas

“…In addition, PEEK may be appropriate for individuals with metal allergies (17). It can also be reinforced with carbon or glass fibers and modified with nanoparticles (18). Carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK turns into black (6).…”