Mechanical properties and biomechanical compatibility of porous titanium for dental implants.

Titanium powder with a granule diameter of 420-500 micron was prepared and porous titanium specimens were made from this powder. The mechanical properties of these specimens were examined. The compressive strength and low cyclic compressive fatigue strength were 182 and 40 MPa, respectively. Fractography was also observed by scanning electron microscopy. Typical fatigue characteristics of the bonding areas of the powder were observed. In addition, porous-titanium-coated dental implants with pure titanium cores were prepared. The compressive strength of the material used was 230 MPa, fatigue strength not being improved. Biomechanical stress calculations using the finite element method were made using a model that employed the use of the material implanted in alveolar bone. Shear stress at the implant-bone interface as well as compressive stress concentrations in the bone was calculated. The most suitable elastic modulus for the dental implant was then estimated from these calculations. Finally, based on these results, the use of porous titanium for dental implants was assessed.