Abstract
The choice between 2 or 3 implants to support a 3-unit implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) still generates doubt in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate stress distribution in 3-unit implant-supported FDPs according to the implant number and load direction. A numerical simulation was performed to analyze stress and strain according to the implant number (2 or 3) and load direction (axial or oblique). A model of a jaw was created by means of the modeling software Rhinoceros, v. 5.0 SR8. External hexagon implants, micro-conical abutments and screws were also modeled. The final geometries were exported to the computer-aided engineering (CAE) software Ansys, v. 17.2, and all materials were considered homogeneous, isotropic and elastic. Different load directions were applied for each model (300 N) at the center of the prosthesis. The von Mises stress and strain values were obtained for the titanium structures and the bone, respectively. The implant number influenced the prosthesis biomechanics, with higher stress and strain concentrations when 2 implants were simulated. The oblique load also affected the mechanical response, showing higher stress and strain in comparison with the axial load, regardless of the implant number. It was concluded that for a 3-unit implant-supported FDP, a greater number of implants associated with axial loads can result in a better mechanical response during chewing.
Highlights
IntroductionImplant-supported rehabilitation can be applied as predictable treatment.[1]
The aim of this study was to evaluate stress distribution in 3-unit implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) according to the implant number and load direction
It was concluded that for a 3-unit implant-supported FDP, a greater number of implants associated with axial loads can result in a better mechanical response during chewing
Summary
Implant-supported rehabilitation can be applied as predictable treatment.[1]. The literature affirms that implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) increase the life quality of edentulous patients.[2]. Some factors can affect the FDP longevity, e.g., the stress concentration, bone quality, or the dimensions and position of the implants.[3]. Considering the biomechanical response of an implantsupported FDP, the implant number is an important factor, since it may have an influence on how the masticatory load will be transmitted to the bone tissue.[4]. A large number of implants have a decisive effect on the mechanical response to prosthetic treatment.[5]. Placing an implant for each missing tooth is controversial and requires careful consideration in the most complex clinical situations.[6]. The choice between 2 or 3 implants to support a 3-unit implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) still generates doubt in clinical practice
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