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

The effect of porous compliance bushings in a dental implant on the distribution of occlusal loads

Porous dental implants are clinically used, but the mechanism of load distribution for stepped implant shaft surrounded by compliance bushings is still not known, especially for different bone conditions. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the design of a dental implant with compliance bushings (CBs) on the occlusal load distribution during primary and secondary stability using finite element simulation (FEA), with a distinction between low and high quality cervical support under primary stability. The FEA of the oblique occlusal load transfer (250 N; 45°) was carried out for implants under variable bone conditions. The stepped shaft in the intermediate part of the dental implant was surrounded by CBs with an increasing modulus of elasticity of 2, 10 and 50 GPa. With a smaller Young's modulus of the bushings the increase of stress in the trabecular bone indicated that more bone tissue can be protected against disuse. The beneficial effect for the trabecular bone derived from the reduction of the stiffness of the bushings in relation to the loss of the implant's load bearing ability can be assessed using the FEM method.

Biomaterials and Clinical Application of Dental Implants in Relation to Bone Density-A Narrative Review

Titanium has been the material of choice for dental implant fixtures due to its exceptional qualities, such as its excellent balance of rigidity and stiffness. Since zirconia is a soft-tissue-friendly material and caters to esthetic demands, it is an alternative to titanium for use in implants. Nevertheless, bone density plays a vital role in determining the material and design of implants. Compromised bone density leads to both early and late implant failures due to a lack of implant stability. Therefore, this narrative review aims to investigate the influence of implant material/design and surgical technique on bone density from both biomechanical and biological standpoints. Relevant articles were included for analysis. Dental implant materials can be fabricated from titanium, zirconia, and PEEK. In terms of mechanical and biological aspects, titanium is still the gold standard for dental implant materials. Additionally, the macro- and microgeometry of dental implants play a role in determining and planning the appropriate treatment because it can enhance the mechanical stress transmitted to the bone tissue. Under low-density conditions, a conical titanium implant design, longer length, large diameter, reverse buttress with self-tapping, small thread pitch, and deep thread depth are recommended. Implant material, implant design, surgical techniques, and bone density are pivotal factors affecting the success rates of dental implant placement in low-density bone. Further study is required to find the optimal implant material for a clinical setting's bone state.

Evaluation and Comparison of Stress in Divergent and Convergent Collar Designs of Implants With Different Bone Densities: A Finite Element Study

BACKGROUND

The failure and the success rate of an implant depends on biomechanical factors, esthetics and painless sterile implant surgery conditions, out of which stresses applied to the bone and its surrounding, bone-implant interface, material characteristics of the implant used and the strength of the bone and its surrounding are the important factors. This study aimed to evaluate the stress distribution of divergent collar design (DCD) and convergent collar design (CCD) implants placing them in four different densities of the bone (D1, D2, D3 and D4). The evaluation of the stress distribution of DCD and CCD was performed using the 3D finite element method (FEM), by placing them in four different bone densities. In addition to this, a comparison of the effect of DCD and CCD in terms of stress distribution in the bone was also done.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The software used to process the geometric characteristics of the missing first molar in the mandibular section were Ansys, version 19.2, CATIA, version 5, and Solidworks (Dassault Systèmes). Using these software, three models were designed and successfully restored using an all-ceramic crown implant. The first model was a geometric model of the first molar mandibular bone section, the second model was a cylindrical implant (4x10 mm) with a DCD and CCD, and the third model had titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) properties incorporated into the implant.

RESULTS

The D1 bone model showed the lowest stress concentration compared to D2, D3, D4. The DCD showed the lower stress and strain concentrations as compared to the CCD in the contiguous crestal bone in all the densities of the bone in both vertical and lateral or oblique loadings. The DCD with the D1 bone showed the least stress concentration around the crestal bone region. The results of this study also showed that the maximum von Mises stress was observed in the crestal region or the neck of the implant for both the convergent and divergent collar implant designs in all the four densities of the bone.

CONCLUSION

Before a patient trial of a new implant design or a new implant material, finite element analysis (FEA) gives us a clear picture of what will be the patient bone response when an implant will be placed and loaded. FEA also gives us an opportunity to test a new implant material without putting a patient at risk. In this study, four different types of bone were incorporated with two different implant collar designs. Each implant assembly was subjected to vertical as well as oblique forces. The response of each bone type for the titanium alloy implant was recorded. A color-coded response for the magnitude and the location of the maximum stress received by the bone was observed. Maximum stresses were seen in the crestal region. As this is a computer-based model, dynamic loading was not possible. This study provided us with the possible outcome in patients under a static load. Further studies can be conducted in vivo to record dynamic loading responses as well as long-time loading responses.

Peri-implant bone resorption risk of anterior maxilla narrow single implants: a finite-element analysis

Statement of the problem: Narrow implants have been recommended in high esthetic demand regions to ensure greater buccal bone thickness (BBT) and minimize soft-tissue recession due to insufficient bone support. However, a limited area of bone-implant interface can increase the risk of peri-implant bone resorption due to occlusal forces. Purpose: This article encourages the use of evidence-based finite element analysis to optimize the aesthetic outcomes in maxillary lateral incisor single-supported implant crown by accurate biomechanical planning. This study aimed to analyze the best implant dimensions that would preserve the maximum BBT and avoid peri-implant bone resorption due to occlusal forces. Materials and methods: A maxilla segment was constructed based on anthropological measurements. Four implant diameters (Ø = 3.25; 3.50; 3.75 or 4.00 mm) and two lengths (L = 10 or 13 mm) were simulated. The occlusal force parameters were defined to simulate clinical conditions. The bone resorption risk analysis was based on Frost's mechanostat theory altering the strain output to strain energy density (SED). The peri-implant bone resorption risk indexes (PIBR_ri) were calculated by dividing the average of the top ten SED elements of the cortical and trabecular buccal wall by the pathologic resorption limit for each bone. Results: For trabecular bone, only the model Ø4.00_L13 exhibited a low PIBR_ri. For cortical bone, all models presented a low PIBR_ri, except for models Ø3.25. Conclusion: The selection of a 3.25 mm dental implant to preserve a 2 mm BBT should be avoided since it generates a high peri-implant bone resorption risk induced by occlusal overload.