Abstract
Background There exists a relation between the presence and location of the micro-gap and the loss of peri implant bone. Several authors have shown that the treatments based on the use of platform switching result in less peri-implant bone loss and an increased tissue stability. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of the platform switching on the distribution of stresses on the peri-implant bone using the finite element method. Material and Methods A realistic 3D full-mandible finite element model representing cortical bone and trabecular bone was used to study the distribution of the stress on the bone induced by an implant of diameter 4.1 mm. Two abutments were modelled. The first one, of diameter 4.1 mm, was used in the reference model to represent a conventional implant. The second one, of diameter 3.2 mm, was used to represent the implant with platform switching. Both models were subjected to axial and oblique masticatory loads. Results The analyses showed that, although no relevant differences can be found for the trabecular bone, the use of platform switching reduces the maximum stress level in the cortical bone by almost 36% with axial loads and by 40% with oblique loads. Conclusions The full 3D Finite Element model, that can be used to investigate the influence of other parameters (implant diameter, connexion type, …) on the biomechanical behaviour of the implant, showed that this stress reduction can be a biomechanical reasons to explain why the platform switching seems to reduce or eliminate crestal bone resorption after the prosthetic restoration. Key words:Dental implant, platform switching, finite element method.
Highlights
The success of the osseointegration of dental implants has been widely referenced in the literature, see for example [1,2]
The model was adequately adapted in the zone where the implant was going to be located to avoid complications during the Finite Element analysis run with the commercial software Ansys (ANSYS® Academic Research, Release 15.0, ANSYS, Inc, Canonsburg, PA, USA) once the model of the implant is included in the model
As the load is aligned with the axis of the implant, in this case, the highest values of the von Mises stresses in the cortical bone are essentially concentric around the neck of the implant
Summary
The success of the osseointegration of dental implants has been widely referenced in the literature, see for example [1,2]. Several authors have shown that the treatments based on the use of platform switching result in less peri-implant bone loss and an increased tissue stability [10,11]. It is still unclear if the good behaviour of the bone associated to the use of platform switching is only due to pure biological reasons, as biomechanics can play an important role. Conclusions: The full 3D Finite Element model, that can be used to investigate the influence of other parameters (implant diameter, connection, ...) on the biomechanical behaviour of the implant, showed that this stress reduction can be a biomechanical reasons to explain why the platform switching seems to reduce or eliminate crestal bone resorption after the prosthetic restoration
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
