Comparison of finite element results with photoelastic stress analysis around dental implants with different threads

The finite element method (FEM) has been used to analyze stress and strain distributions around 3 suggested dental implants with newly-designed thread parameters and the optimal shape of the implant was introduced considering the response surface optimization method sensitivity analysis. Experimental tests seemed necessary to confirm the results of the FEM.

The aim of this study was to use experimental tests to prove the results of a finite element analysis of 3 dental implants with different thread designs under axial loads. Photoelastic stress analysis was chosen due to the similarity of analysis with FEM.

Two-dimensional models of 3 dental implants were built of grade 4 titanium to be tested in the polariscope. Model 1: A tapered implant with V-shaped threads; Model 2: A tapered implant with micro-threads in the upper area and V-shaped threads in the rest of the body; Model 3: A tapered implant with reverse buttress threads in all areas. Axial loading of 100 N was applied to the top of the implants and stress patterns and the maximum stress were evaluated for each implant.

The minimum Huber-Mises-Hencky stresses of cortical bone were recorded in model 2, a tapered implant with micro-threads in the upper area and V-shaped threads in the rest of the body. The value for 100 N loading was 15.25 MPa, which was in agreement with the FEM.

Considering the stress patterns and values obtained from experimental tests of photoelasticity, the tapered implant with micro-threads in the upper area and V-shaped threads in the rest of the body has the most uniform and desirable stress distribution in the surrounding cortical bone and is preferred to be used in future applications.