Micromotion analysis of different implant configuration, bone density, and crestal cortical bone thickness in immediately loaded mandibular full-arch implant restorations: A nonlinear finite element study
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Published on: March 7, 2014
Tsutomu Sugiura1, Kazuhiko Yamamoto1, Satoshi Horita1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan.
Background:
Excessive micromotion may cause failure of osseointegration between the implant and bone.
Purpose:
This study investigated the effects of implant configuration, bone density, and crestal cortical bone thickness on micromotion in immediately loaded mandibular full-arch implant restorations.
Materials And Methods:
A finite element model of the edentulous mandible was constructed. Four implants were inserted in two different configurations, which were four parallel implants or tilted distal implants according to the all-on-four concept. Different cancellous bone densities and crestal cortical bone thicknesses were simulated. The framework was made of acrylic resin. A vertical load of 200 N was applied at the cantilever or on the distal implant (noncantilever loading).
Results:
The maximum extent of micromotion was significantly influenced by the density of cancellous bone and to a lesser extent by implant configuration and the crestal cortical bone thickness. The all-on-four configuration showed less micromotion than the parallel implant configuration in some circumstances. The maximum micromotion detected with noncantilever loading was less than 1/3 of that with cantilever loading.
Conclusions:
Implant configuration had a limited influence on micromotion. Avoiding cantilever loading during the healing period should effectively reduce the risk of excessive micromotion in patients with low-density cancellous bone and thin crestal cortical bone.
