Fracture of Zirconia Abutment with Metallic Insertion on Anterior Single Titanium Implant with Internal Hexagon: Retrieval Analysis of a Failure

Abstract

This case report presents a retrieval analysis of a screw-retained one-piece restoration with the veneering ceramic fired directly onto the zirconia abutment that fractured during insertion. A patient who experienced root fracture of a maxillary left central incisor received a titanium implant on the same day as extraction. After delayed implant loading, a two-piece zirconia abutment with metallic insertion was customized. Upon installation, a horizontal fracture of the crown just above the metallic portion was detected. The retrieval analysis of a fractured zirconia abutment showed crack formation and diffusion of glaze material that expanded the crack line during firing.