When delivering a full-arch zirconia implant-supported prosthesis, an infrequent but possible complication is the fracture of the zirconia framework. This complication can be seen more commonly on patients who exhibit parafunctional habits.

This visual essay walks through the basic steps of temporarily repairing a fractured implant-supported zirconia prosthesis.

As you will see in Figure 7, I provide a step-by-step reparation protocol:

  • Sandblast two bars of A102 (110 microns)
  • Silane one minute per surface
  • Allow five minutes to evaporate
  • Apply bonding agent
  • Cementation utilizing dual curing resin cement
Frontal view of the fractured zirconia prosthesis, which had been inserted 4.5 years earlier
Figure 1: Frontal view of the fractured zirconia prosthesis, which had been inserted 4.5 years earlier.
Occlusal view of the fractured prosthesis.
Figure 2: Occlusal view of the fractured prosthesis.
Fractured prosthesis and screw. Note the thickness of the prosthesis.
Figure 3: Fractured prosthesis and screw. Note the thickness of the prosthesis.
Fractured screw that probably broke after the prosthesis was fractured.
Figure 4: Fractured screw that probably broke after the prosthesis was fractured.
Fractured prosthesis. Note the thickness of the prosthesis around the temporary cylinder.
Figure 5: Fractured prosthesis. Note the thickness of the prosthesis around the temporary cylinder.
Close -up view of the fractured prosthesis.
Figure 6: Close-up view of the fractured prosthesis.
Step-by-step reparation protocol.
Figure 7: Step-by-step reparation protocol.
Close-up view of silane application.
Figure 8: Close-up view of silane application.
Both pieces of the prosthesis were secured in the master model to confirm the position.
Figure 9: Both pieces of the prosthesis were secured in the master model to confirm the position.
Prosthesis after cementation. Note the chipped part of the layered pink porcelain.
Figure 10: Prosthesis after cementation. Note the chipped part of the layered pink porcelain.
Note the intimate contact of both pieces, making the bonding procedure more predictable.
Figure 11: Note the intimate contact of both pieces, making the bonding procedure more predictable.
Intraoral view of the repaired prosthesis. Note the pink area was repaired with pink composite.
Figure 12: Intraoral view of the repaired prosthesis. Note the pink area was repaired with pink composite.
Intraoral view of the repaired prosthesis in occlusion.
Figure 13: Intraoral view of the repaired prosthesis in occlusion.
Occlusal view of the repaired prosthesis.
Figure 14: Occlusal view of the repaired prosthesis.
Patient's smile with repaired prosthesis.
Figure 15: Patient’s smile with repaired prosthesis.

This is a step-by-step technique on how to repair a fractured zirconia implant-supported framework. It is important to clearly communicate to the patient that this is a temporary repair while a new zirconia prosthesis is fabricated, but it allows to address the emergency in a relatively easy and inexpensive way.

Ricardo Mitrani, D.D.S., M.S.D., is a member of Spear Resident Faculty.