By Gordon J. Christensen, DDS, MSD, PhD

In this in vitro study, the fracture strength and accelerated fatigue reliability of metal and zirconia abutment systems were tested. Implants were restored with metal crowns, and loads were applied. “Strength and reliability were significantly higher for the titanium abutments compared to the zirconia abutments.”

Dr. Gordon Christensen comments: The results of this study are no surprise. When would you want to use a zirconia abutment in spite of its lower strength? When the implant is significantly below the gingival tissues and the potential abutment would extend to the implant with a collar of metal from the implant to the apical margin of the restoration, there is a high likelihood of the gray color of the abutment metal showing through the gingival tissues. Also, if an all-ceramic crown is planned for an implant abutment, zirconia abutments provide a better esthetic result than metal abutments. In these two example situations zirconia abutments are indicated. Otherwise, why go to the expense and uncertainty of a zirconia abutment?

Mitsias ME, Silva N, Pines M, et al. Reliability and fatigue damage modes of zirconia and titanium abutments. Int J Prosthodont 2010; 23(1):56-59.