Evaluation of Stress Distribution in Implant Body and Surrounding Bone with and without Splinting—A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction This study was undertaken to evaluate the pattern of stress distribution in implant body and surrounding bone with and without splinting of implant prostheses when subjected to occlusal loading, using the finite element analysis. Methods The geometric models of implant and mandibular bone were generated. Two models were created in accordance with the need of the study. The first model was given a two implant in the first mandibular molar and second premolar with splinted prosthesis. Then, second model was given two such implants in the same region but without splinting the prosthesis. Forces of 100 N and 50 N were applied axially and buccolingually, respectively. Results The maximum von Mises stress values with axial force of the implant splinted prosthesis were observed to be 4.21 MPa for cortical bone, 0.88 MPa for cancellous bone, and 10.592 MPa for implant body. The maximum von Mises stress values with buccolingual force of the implant splinted prosthesis were observed to be 9.08 MPa for cortical bone, 1.33 MPa for cancellous bone, and 30.08 MPa for implant body. The maximum von Mises stress values with axial force of the implant nonsplinted prosthesis were observed to be 4.51 MPa for cortical bone, 0.91 MPa for cancellous bone, 13.18 MPa for implant body. The maximum von Mises stress values with buccolingual force of the implant nonsplinted prosthesis were observed to be 9.52 MPa for cortical bone, 1.91 MPa for cancellous bone, 35.04 MPa for implant body. Conclusion The maximum stresses were transferred more to the implant body than to the bone in both the splinted and nonsplinted implant prostheses. The maximum von Mises stresses were observed on nonsplinted implant prostheses, so splinting implant prostheses led to lower stress in the implant body and surrounding bone.