Shock absorbability of various restorative materials used on implants

The purpose of this study was to compare, using an in vitro model, the stre ss absorbing ability of a microfilled composite resin and of a new low fusi on ceramic (Duceram LFC(R)) to that of gold alloy and conventional ceramic, when used as restorative materials in implant-supported prosthesis. Test c rowns made of the tested materials were rigidly connected to a Branemark im plant clone. The maximum amplitude of the force transmitted to the bone-imp lant interface, and the time to reach this amplitude were measured after ap plying a 100 N impact load on the occlusal surface. The gold alloy restorat ions transmitted the highest impact force in the shortest. delay at the bon e-implant interface, Microfilled composite resin Dentacolor(R), and low fus ion ceramic Duceram LPC(R) did not reduce the amplitude of the impact-force when compared to conventional ceramic. Nevertheless, the time to reach the maximum amplitude of this force was longer when using composite resin than : when using ceramic, while Duceram LFC(R) had no influence on this criteri a.