Finite Element Analysis of Multi-Implant Surgery for a Large Area of Defects

Abstract

This study aimed to confirm the application of multi-implants for mandibles with a large edentulous area using methods of finite element analysis (FEA). 3D finite element models of mandible with multi-implants were generated form reverse engineering of CT images stored in DICOM format. In the FEA of the implant model, the majority of the stress falls onto neck of the titanium implant and is well-distributed around the cylinder body of screw, resulting in less stress being applied to the cortical bone around titanium screw. Under a continual normal force of 100 N, The maximum stress on the cortical bone was located in the area around the titanium implants, and was 111.62Mpa, while the maximum stress on the titanium implant was located at the neck of the implant, and was 120.35 Mpa, much lower than the yield strength of the titanium framework (1260Mpa). The maximum deformation was around 0.65 mm. The deformation of the alveolar bone in our multi-implant model was within the acceptable range. This study show that the titanium screw used for multi-implants meets the requirements in term of physical properties for a large area of defects.