The TiBase abutment has become a popular choice in many dental practices for restoring implants across various cases. However, have you ever considered the long-term viability of a TiBase abutment in restoration work? In recent years, I have noticed a significant increase in referrals to my implant mechanical rescue practice involving failed or fractured TiBase abutments—particularly in cases where they were used to support molar-sized restorations. This trend has brought the potential issues of TiBase abutments into sharper focus, warranting further examination.
“I have noticed a significant increase in referrals to my implant mechanical rescue practice involving failed or fractured TiBase abutments…”
I have observed that abutment fractures frequently occur in areas with a weaker or thinner cross-section above or adjacent to a stronger section in the implant pillar. Mechanically, this makes sense, as the thin cross-section can become the weak link in the vertical stack of components. This analysis assumes that the abutment-to-implant connection is more robust than the component stack above it; otherwise, failures might occur lower in the connection. To better understand fracture risks, I have been measuring the cross-sectional areas of many fractured abutments to compare and analyze them.
For a system to maintain mechanical stability, it must resist the forces applied to it. These forces result from a combination of magnitude and leverage—often referred to as off-axis loading, bending moments, or torsional loading. Single molar applications can be mechanically demanding due to the combination of increased posterior forces in this area and the additional torsional loading created by a molar-sized restoration. The multiplication of these two factors creates a destructive load when delivered into the implant-supported restoration through repetitive loading cycles. The narrow cross-section in the vertical cylinder of a TiBase abutment, particularly where it meets the abutment shoulder, is a common site for structural failure.
In the following four case studies, I will illustrate these issues. These cases offer valuable insights that can help assess whether a TiBase abutment is suitable for molar applications. By understanding these risks, we can make better-informed treatment decisions and potentially avoid complications in future restorations.
Contact Dr. Mastrovich and the Mastrovich Dental Team for more information on our Implant Mechanical Rescue services.
