Parameters affecting the stress distribution around LTI carbon and aluminum oxide dental implants

Three-dimensional finite element stress analysis was used to study the effects that implant neck geometry and the tissue properties at the implant-bone interface have on the stress distribution around free-standing blade- and post-type LTI carbon and aluminum oxide dental implants. Implants having neck flares of 13 degrees and 26 degrees were studied. In addition, to simulate fibrous encapsulation of the implant as opposed to a direct bone apposition retention mechanism, a soft tissue interposing layer between implant and bone was also modeled. The results of the study indicate that a reduction in neck flare from 26 degrees to 13 degrees was a positive design change for blade- and post-type LTI carbon implants and blade-type aluminum oxide implant but not for post-type aluminum oxide implant. The results of the study indicate the presence of fibrous tissue surrounding the implants may be indicative of a failing system and may be the result of either hypophysiological stress (aluminum oxide implants) or hyperphysiological stress (LTI carbon implants).