Emanuela Lidia PETRESCU

Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF PEEK POLYMERS USED IN DENTAL PROSTHETICS 

Emanuela Lidia Petrescu^1,2, Mihai Romînu^1,2, Cosmin Sinescu^1,2, 

Meda-Lavinia Negruţiu^1,2 , Mihai Fabricky³, Daniela Maria Pop^1,2

¹ “Victor Babeş” Univeristy of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timişoara, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Department of Prostheses Technology and Dental Materials, Revoluţiei 1989, no 9,Timişoara, Romania, petrescu.emanuela@umft.ro 

² “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timişoara, Faculty of Dental Medicine Dental Research Center Using Conventional and Alternative Technologies, Revoluţiei 1989, no 9, Timişoara, Romania

³ “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timişoara, Romania, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Department of Dental Prosthetics, Revoluţiei 1989, no 9, Timişoara, Romania

Introduction. Polymers have multiple indication in dental medicine and the new generation of polymers are used along with digital work-flow and digital manufacturing technologies [1]. Highly-performant polymers, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) are designed for prosthetic restorations on natural and implant abutments because of high biocompatibility, excellent mechanical strength and resilience which makes them appropriate for bearing the functional load in prosthetic restorations, flexibility, chemical stability and ease of machining. The present study aims to explore the application of these polymers within digital workflows [2].

Experimental. The ex-vivo, non-invasive evaluation was made on implant-supported fixed prostheses. The three unit fix partial prostheses were restoring the upper posterior teeth but also full arches. Polymeric PEEK frameworks were digitally designed using Exocad software and with subtractive technology. The aesthetics and morphology designed by veneering the PEEK framework with SR Nexo Paste (Ivoclar). The veneered PEEK frameworks were imagistic evaluated by Cone Beam Computer Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography. The final stages involved intraoral evaluation and an questionnaire for patient.

Results and Discussion. Imagistic non-invasive assessment of PEEK framework revealed a compact structure with structural density. The digital processing technology and physical features of the framework assure excellent fit to the abutments for three and full arch prosthodontic restoration. Digital workflows involving these polymers offer satisfactory aesthetic outcomes, and the application of subtractive technology reduces the risk for internal structural defects. 

Conclusions. PEEK polymers as framework for implant and natural abutment supported prosthodontic restauration, combined with subtractive techniques minimize the risk of internal defects in PEEK frameworks. Having good mechanical resistance, low weight and an elastic module close to that of bone, PEEK assures the specification requested by implant-supported overdentures [3,4].

References. 

[1] Bathala, L.; Majeti, V.; Rachuri, N.; Singh N.; Gedela, S. The Role of Polyether Ether Ketone (Peek) in Dentistry – A Review, Journal of Medicine and Life, 2019, 12, Issue 1, 5–9

[2] Reda, R.; Zanza, A.; Galli, M.; De Biase, A.; Testarelli, L.; Di Nardo, D. Applications and Clinical Behavior of BioHPP in Prosthetic Dentistry: A Short Review. J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6, 90. 

[3] Zoidis, P.; Papathanasiou, I.; Polyzois, G. The Use of a Modified Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK) as an Alternative Framework Material for Removable Dental Prostheses. A Clinical Report. J. Prosthodont. 2015, 25, 580–584.

[4] Porojan, L.; Toma, F.R.; Vasiliu, R.D.; Topală, F.-I.; Porojan, S.D.; Matichescu, A. Optical Properties and Color Stability of Dental PEEK Related to Artificial Ageing and Staining. Polymers 2021, 13, 4102.