Analysis of stress on a fixed partial denture with a blade-vent implant abutment

Using a two-dimensional finite element method, a study was made that compared the behavior of a model mandibular posterior fixed partial denture constructed on the second premolar abutment and a blade-vent implant imbedded at the site of the second molar with the behavior of a fixed partial denture constructed on the second premolar and second molar abutments. The following were the results: 1. Deflections of the implant fixed partial denture were less than those of the natural tooth fixed partial denture in vertical and inclined loads. 2. Stress concentration was markedly found in the pontic and the mesial and distal parts of the premolar retainer in both restorations and the implant neck in the implant fixed partial denture. 3. In the implant fixed partial denture, stresses induced in the surrounding bone became higher around the posterior abutment and became lower around the premolar retainer than the stresses produced with the natural tooth fixed partial denture. 4. Therefore it was suggested that, to relieve stress to the surrounding bone around the implant abutment, occlusal forces loaded to the implant fixed partial denture have to be more concentrated on the premolar abutment than do forces loaded to the natural tooth fixed partial denture.