Biomechanical effects of bone quality and design features in dental implants in long-term bone stability

Abstract

This study analyzed the effects of implant design factors (diameter, length, and connection type) and bone quality on the long-term success of implantation via finite element (FE) analysis, considering the bone remodeling process. A total of 36 cases of the three-dimensional FE model, with an implant complex located in the mandibular bone section of the molar region, were considered. An FE analysis considering dental bone remodeling was implemented in the Abaqus UMAT subroutine. A preload of 32 N.cm and an average biting force of 50 N were applied during the bone remodeling process as the loading conditions. After the bone remodeling process, a maximum biting force of 200 N was applied in the oblique direction. The stability of the peri-implant bone was analyzed by measuring the apparent bone density over time and the principal strain in the cancellous bone. The stability of the peri-implant bone differs depending on the host bone conditions and implant design features. The initial bone condition greatly influenced the final density and maximum principal strain distribution in the cancellous bone surrounding the implant. The need for a stability evaluation considering the bone remodeling process has increased under the conditions of placing short-length and narrow-diameter implants in poor-quality bones.