Analysis of the effect of implant distance from the surrounding structure, in the PMMA block model

Abstract

Strain analysis in the vicinity of the dental implants were the subject of many research papers. In this study, new experimental method was employed for strain determination in the surrounding area of the axially loaded dental implant, which was embedded in the resin block. This studies can improve understanding of strain distribution, and its possible effects on the surrounding structure. Dental Implant Branemark with dimensions of 14 x 3.75 mm was immersed into rectangular block of polymethil methacrylate in vertical position. Implant was distanced 2 mm and 4 mm from the block sides, and they were named as the surface 1 and surface 2, respectively. Axial load, in the range of 0 - 500 N, was applied using Universal testing machine Tinius Olsen. Digital Image Correlation method was used for measuring deformation. Results were presented in the form of horizontal and vertical strains. Horizontal strains were mostly tensile, with maximum value of 0.3 % on the bottom of the surface 1. This values decreased in the upper area of the block side. Vertical compressive strain were 2-3 times higher on the surface 1, when compared to the surface 2, with maximum values of 0.7 % located on the bottom of the surface 1, and 0.3 % on the bottom of the surface 2. Resin block models could be used for determination of strain distribution under axially loaded implants. Greatest strain concentration were located under the implants apex, in the bottom area of the block. It was concluded that, in this region, strain values decreased linearly with increase of distance from the implants surface.