Reliability of Polyetherketoneketone as Definitive Implant-Supported Bridges in the Posterior Region—An In Vitro Study of the Ultimate Fracture Load and Vertical Marginal Discrepancy after Artificial Aging

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the ultimate fractural strength and marginal integrity of a three-unit implant-supported fixed partial denture (FPD) framework fabricated of polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) after simulated five-year clinical aging. Materials and Methods: Twelve FPD frameworks were milled (n = 6 per group). All experimental frameworks were cemented on identical stainless-steel abutment models and subjected to five years of clinically simulated thermomechanical aging. The vertical marginal gap values were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope before and after being subjected to each aging condition. A universal testing machine was used to evaluate the ultimate fracture load. Results: A significant increase in marginal gap values of the PEKK group was observed after five years of simulation aging (p < 0.001), while no significant difference was seen in the titanium group (p = 0.071). After thermocycling, the PEKK group showed a higher statistically significant mean marginal gap value (84.99 + 44.28 μm) than before (81.75 + 44.53 μm). The titanium group exhibited superior mechanical strength, with a fracture load significantly higher than that of the PEKK group (3050 + 385.30 and 1359.14 + 205.49 N, respectively). Conclusions: Thermocycling affects the marginal gap discrepancy of PEKK restoration. However, the mean vertical marginal gap values in PEKK and titanium groups after a five-year clinical aging simulation were clinically acceptable. The ultimate fracture load values were higher than the maximum bite force reported in the posterior region. Thus, PEKK could serve as a suitable alternative material to metal in the framework of fixed dental prostheses.