Tooth-implant connection: some biomechanical aspects based on finite element analyses

This study investigated, with the use of two- and three-dimensional finite element analysis, the peri-implant stress that occurred during loading of a tooth that was rigidly connected to a distally placed implant. A fixed bond between the bone and the implant was assumed, while the periodontal ligament was represented by means of three-dimensional nonlinear visco-elastic spring elements. Two different loading conditions were compared in the study: i) an axially directed static load of 50 kg that was applied to the tooth for 10 s, and ii) a transitional load of 50 kg that was applied for 5 milliseconds. Load duration appeared to have a greater influence than load intensity on the stress distribution in the bone around an implant and a rigidly connected tooth. Static load is, therefore, potentially more harmful for peri-implant bone than transitional load. The periodontal ligament seems to play a key role in the stress distribution between a tooth and a rigidly connected implant.