Selection of optimal dental implant diameter and length in type IV bone: a three-dimensional finite element analysis

This study aimed to create a 3D finite element model for continuous variation of implant diameter and length, thereby identifying their optimal range in type IV bone under biomechanical consideration. Implant diameter ranged from 3.0 to 5.0mm, and implant length ranged from 6.0 to 14.0mm. The results suggest that under axial load, the maximum Von Mises stresses in cortical and cancellous bones decrease by 50% and 27%, respectively; and under buccolingual load, by 52% and 60%, respectively. Under these two loads, the maximum displacements of implant-abutment complex decrease by 39% and 43%, respectively. These results indicate that in type IV bone, implant length is more crucial in reducing bone stress and enhancing the stability of implant-abutment complex than implant diameter. Biomechanically, implant diameter exceeding 4.0mm and implant length exceeding 9.0mm are the combination with optimal properties for a screwed implant in type IV bone.