Three dimensional finite element stress analysis of implant prosthesis according to the different fixture locations and angulations

Park, Won Hee; Lee, Young Soo

Abstract

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The implant prosthesis has been utilized in various clinical cases thanks to its increase in scientific effective application. The relevant implant therapy should have the high success rate in osseointegration, and the implant prosthesis should last for a long period of time without failure. Resorption of the peri-implant alveolar bone is the most frequent and serious problem in implant prosthesis. Excessive concentration of stress from the occlusal force and biopressure around the implant has been known to be the main cause of the bone destruction. Therefore, to decide the location and angulation of the implant is one of the major considering factors for the stress around the implant fixture to be dispersed in the limit of bio-capacity of load support for the successful and long-lasting clinical result. Yet, the detailed mechanism of this phenomenon is not well understood. To some extent, this is related to the paucity of basic science research. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to perform the stress analysis of the implant prosthesis in the partially edentulous mandible according to the different fixture locations and angulations using three dimensional finite element method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three 3.75mm standard implants were placed in the area of first and second bicuspids, and first molar in the mandible. Thereafter, implant prostheses were fabricated using UCLA abutments. Five experimental groups were designed as follows: 1) straight placement of three implants, 2) 5.buccal and lingual angulation of straightly aligned three implants, 3) 10.buccal and lingual angulation of straightly aligned three implants, 4) lingual offset placement of three implants, and 5) buccal offset placement of three implants. Average occlusal force with a variation of perpendicular and 30.angulation was applied on the buccal cusp of each implant prosthesis, followed by the measurement of alteration and amount of stress on each configurational implant part and peri-implant bio-structures. The results of this study are extracted from the comparison between the distribution of Von mises stress and the maximum Von mises stress using three dimensional finite element stress analysis for each experimental group. CONCLUSION: The conclusions were as follows: 1. Providing angulations of the fixture did not help in stress dispersion in the restoration of partially edentulous mandible. 2. It is beneficial to place the fixture in a straight vertical direction, since bio-pressure in the peri-implant bone increases when the fixture is implanted in an angle. 3. It is important to select an appropriate prosthodontic material that prevents fractures, since the bio-pressure is concentrated on the prosthodontic structures when the fixture is implanted in an angle. 4. Offset placement of the fixtures is effective in stress dispersion in the restoration of partially edentulous mandible,