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Published on: April 8, 2020
Finite element analysis of narrow dental implants
J F Valera-Jiménez1, G Burgueño-Barris2, S Gómez-González1
1Research Group of Interacting Surfaces in Bioengineering and Materials Science (InSup), Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Avda. Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Splinting narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) with a three-unit bridge reduces bone overloading compared to non-splinted implants. However, splinting NDIs in all-on-four configurations increases overloading risk, especially with tilted implants.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Biomechanics
- Dental Implantology
Background:
- Narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) traditionally show higher failure rates due to unfavorable stress distribution.
- Splinting implants in prostheses offers mechanical advantages through load sharing.
- The potential of splinting to mitigate risks associated with NDIs requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if splinting can mitigate the mechanical risks of narrow-diameter implants (NDIs).
- To compare stress distribution and bone overloading in different implant diameters and splinting configurations using finite element analysis.
Main Methods:
- Finite element analysis (FEA) was employed using a 3D maxilla model derived from CT scans.
- Computer-aided design (CAD) was used to create models of narrow-diameter implants (NDIs), regular-diameter implants (RDIs), wide-diameter implants (WDIs), and prostheses.
- Simulated biting forces were applied to single-implant restorations, three-unit bridges, and all-on-four prostheses.
Main Results:
- Splinting NDIs with a three-unit bridge significantly reduced peri-implant overloaded bone volume compared to non-splinted NDIs and even non-splinted RDIs.
- The all-on-four prosthesis with splinted NDIs resulted in the highest risk of bone overloading.
- Increased compressive stress around tilted implants in the all-on-four configuration contributed to higher overloading.
Conclusions:
- The splinting concept can offer mechanical benefits, reducing overloading risks for narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) when used in specific configurations like a three-unit bridge.
- The all-on-four prosthesis with splinted NDIs presents a significant risk of bone overloading, necessitating careful consideration of implant angulation and load distribution.
- Finite element analysis is a valuable tool for evaluating mechanical stress in dental implantology and optimizing treatment outcomes.
