Bivariate evaluation of cylinder implant diameter and length: a three-dimensional finite element analysis

To evaluate continuous and simultaneous variations of implant diameter and length for an experimental cylinder implant.

A finite element model of a mandible segment with implant was created. The range of implant diameter (D) was set from 2.5 to 5.0 mm, and that of implant length (L) from 6.0 to 16.0 mm. The maximum Von Mises stresses in the mandible were evaluated, and the sensitivity of the stresses in the mandible to the variables was also evaluated.

Under axial load, the maximum von Mises stresses in cortical and cancellous bones decreased by 73.3% and 69.4%, respectively, with D and L increasing. Under buccolingual load, those decreased 83.8% and 79.2%, respectively. When D exceeded 3.9 mm and L exceeded 10.0 mm, the tangent slope rate of the maximum von Mises stress response curve ranged from -1 to 0. The variation of the maximum von Mises stresses in the mandible was more sensitive to D than to L.

Buccolingual force is apt to be influenced by the two implant parameters; implant diameter and length favor stress distribution in cortical bone and cancellous bone, respectively. Implant diameter exceeding 3.9 mm and implant length exceeding 10.0 mm are the optimal choice for type B/2 bone in a cylinder implant. The implant diameter is more important than length in reducing bone stress.