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Strain transfer behavior of different planning options for mandibular single-molar replacement
Eduardo Bortolas de Carvalho1, Paulo Eduardo Herbst1, Adriana Cláudia Lapria Faria2
1Private practice, Latin American Institute for Dental Research and Education, Curitiba, Brazil.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|May 27, 2017
Summary
Replacing a missing mandibular first molar with two smaller implants is more optimal than a single wide implant. Single 3.5-mm implants also reduce strain in enlarged spaces, offering viable restoration options.
Area of Science:
- Dental Implantology
- Biomaterials Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Tooth loss, particularly the first molar and second premolar, can cause adjacent teeth to shift, reducing space for replacements.
- Restoring these missing teeth, especially in enlarged edentulous spaces, presents challenges in implant number and positioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate different in vitro planning strategies for replacing a mandibular first molar.
- To compare the biomechanical effects of various implant configurations in simulated edentulous spaces.
Main Methods:
- Polyoxymethylene models simulated 11 mm and 14 mm mandibular first molar edentulous spaces.
- Tested configurations included single implants (3.5 mm and 5.0 mm diameter) and two 3.5 mm implants.
- Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) fabricated crowns, and 3D digital image correlation measured surface strains under load.
Main Results:
- A single 5.0 mm wide implant resulted in the highest surface strains.
- Two 3.5 mm implants showed strain distribution comparable to a single 3.5 mm implant.
- Mesial and distal single implant placements exhibited more neutral strain patterns.
Conclusions:
- Two small-diameter implants offer superior surface strain distribution compared to a single wide-diameter implant in enlarged spaces.
- Single 3.5 mm implants also demonstrate reduced strain, presenting a viable alternative for restoring mandibular first molar edentulism.
