Comparison of Periodontally Compromised Splinted Teeth and Implant Supported Fixed Partial Denture: A...

Introduction - This study aimed to compare the amount and pattern of stress and strain distributed around periodontally compromised splinted teeth and the two-implant abutments supported six-unit fixed partial denture (FPD) using finite element analysis (FEA). Methods and Materials - Six mandibular anterior teeth of a dental model were scanned and the scans were transferred to 3D CAD design and finite element software. Jaw bone was also designed and the teeth were splinted by fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) band. In another model, two implants were placed at the site of canine teeth and a six-unit FPD was designed over them. Models were transferred to finite element software and after meshing and fixing, they were subjected to 100- and 200-N loads under 0 and 30° angles. Results - Apical areas and crestal bone showed the highest accumulation of stress and strain in periodontally compromised splinted teeth. Crestal bone and bone between crestal microthread and the first thread of implant body had the highest accumulation of stress and strain in the implant supported six-unit FPD. Conclusion - The results showed significantly higher shear stress, von Mises stress and von Mises strain in peri-implant bone compared with bone around periodontally compromised teeth. Increase in applied load magnified this difference. Also, a greater difference was noted in stress and strain in bone around teeth and implants when oblique load was applied.