Finite Element Analysis of the Stress Distribution Associated With Different Implant Designs for Different Bone Densities.

PURPOSE

The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of implant design, bone type, and abutment angulation on stress distribution around dental implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two implant designs with different thread designs, but with the same length and brand were used. The three-dimensional geometry of the bone was simulated with four different bone types, for two different abutment angulations. A 30° oblique load of 200 N was applied to the implant abutments. Maximum principal stress and minimum principal stresses were obtained for bone and Von misses stresses were obtained for dental implants.

RESULTS

The distribution of the load was concentrated at the coronal portion of the bone and implants. The stress distributions to the D4 type bone were higher for implant models. Increased bone density and increased cortical bone thickness cause less stress on bone and implants. All implants showed a good distribution of forces for non-axial loads, with higher stresses concentrated at the crestal region of the bone-implant interface. In implant types using straight abutments there was a decrease in stress as the bone density decreased. The change in the abutment angle also caused an increase in stress.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of different implant threads and angled abutments affects the stress on the surrounding bone and implant. In addition, it was observed that a decrease in density in trabecular bone and a decrease in cortical bone thickness increased stress.