Comparison of Screws with Different Diameters in Subperiosteal Implant Application with Finite Element Analysis

Purpose: This study aimed to assess subperiosteal implants concerning bone stress and screw displacement, utilizing finite element analysis to determine the optimal screw diameter for enhanced bone support. Methods: Computed tomography data were translated into STL format, generating two skull models. Subperiosteal implants were constructed on these models and placed accordingly. Employing the finite element analysis method, screws with 1.5 mm and 2 mm diameter were inserted into one of the models to evaluate their impact under a 250 N chewing force. Results: The 2 mm screw demonstrated superior performance compared to the 1.5 mm variant, showcasing reduced residual stress on the bone and implant. However, the 1.5 mm screw exhibited less implant movement. Conclusion: The finite element analysis suggests the 2 mm screw diameter as more advantageous over the 1.5 mm variant for subperiosteal implants. Nevertheless, this investigation marks the initial stages in exploring this treatment option's potential.