Regular and switching platform: bone stress analysis with varying implant diameter

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Implantology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Dental implants are crucial for tooth replacement.
• Understanding biomechanical forces on peri-implant bone is essential for implant success.
• Implant diameter and connection type can influence stress distribution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate stress distribution in peri-implant bone.
• To simulate the biomechanical influence of different implant diameters and connection types.
• To compare regular and platform-switched connections in implant-supported central incisors.

Main Methods:

• Three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) was employed.
• Five mathematical models of implant-supported central incisors were created.
• Implant diameters (5.5 mm and 4.5 mm) and abutment platforms (regular and platform-switched) were varied.

Main Results:

• Cortical bone experienced highest stress in the regular, larger diameter model (R1).
• Trabecular bone showed highest stress with platform switching and smaller diameter (S3).
• Platform switching's influence was more pronounced on cortical bone, particularly with significant diameter reduction.

Conclusions:

• Implant diameter and platform switching are critical biomechanical factors.
• Platform switching alters stress distribution, with varying effects on cortical and trabecular bone.
• Design considerations for implant connections should account for these biomechanical influences.