Stress distribution pattern of the different diameter and length of short implants according to the bone quality: 3-D Finite Elements Analysis

Kim, Han Koo; Kim, Chang Hyen; Pyo, Sung Woon

Abstract

The use of short implants has been accepted risky from biomechanical point of view. However, short implants appear to be a long term viable solution according to recent clinical reports. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different diameter and length of implant size to the different type of bone on the load distribution pattern. Stress analysis was performed using 3-dimensional finite element analysis(3D-FEA). A three-dimensional linear elastic model was generated. All implants modeled were of the various diameter(phi 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 6.0 mm) and varied in length, at 7.0, 8.5 and 10.0 mm. Each implant was modeled with a titanium abutment screw and abutment. The implants were seated in a supporting D2 and D4 bone structure consisting of cortical and cancellous bone. An amount of 100 N occlusal load of vertical and 30 degree angle to axis of implant and to buccolingual plane were applied. As a result, the maximum equivalent stress of D2 and D4 bones has been concentrated upper region of cortical bone. As the width of implant is increased, the equivalent stress is decreased in cancellous bone and stress was more homogeneously distributed along the implants in all types of bone. The short implant of diameter 5.0mm, 6.0mm showed effective stress distribution in D2 and D4 bone. The oblique force of 100N generated more concentrated stress on the D2 cortical bone. Within the limitations of this study, the use of short implant may offer a predictable treatment method in the vertically restricted sites.