Influence of the modulus of elasticity of dental implants on the distribution of stresses in the alveolar bone by the finite element method: A systematic review

Abstract

ObjectiveIn the literature, implants with significant stiffness superior to the bone tissue are incompatible because they can provide bone resorption and consequent aseptic loosening of the implant, even so, they continue to be developed and with a high success rate. Therefore, this review aim to answer “What is the influence of the modulus of elasticity of dental implants on the distribution of stresses in the alveolar bone by the method of finite elements?”. MethodsPRISMA was followed. The search strategy was applied to Embase, Pub Med, Scopus, and Science Direct. The selection process was carried out in two stages independently by two reviewers according to the eligibility criteria. The risk of bias was analyzed using a checklist of important parameters. Results1579 articles were found, after the exclusion of duplicates, 1358 were evaluated by title and abstract, of which 38 were selected for full reading, of these 5 were included. All had a low risk of bias. A meta-analysis could not be performed due to the heterogeneity of the studies. ConclusionsThe modulus of elasticity of an implant is an important property to be considered when developing an implant, since this influence the distribution of stresses, so the greater the difference between this implant in relation to the bone tissue, the greater the chance of occurrence the phenomenon of “stress shielding”. However, when analyzing peri-implant biomechanics, this should be correlated with design, implant location, manufacturing technique, and surface treatment, conclusion limited to the studies included.