Three Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Implant Prosthesis during Chewing Movement

Abstract

Osseointegrated implant prosthesis has become an imperative part in the recent prosthodontic treatment. Since implants have direct bone contact without a periodontal membrane, the occlusal force against the implant prosthesis is directly transmitted to supporting bone around implants. The purpose of this study was to analyze stress distribution during chewing movement in supporting bone around implants and natural teeth. Three-dimensional finite element models of a lower first molar and a titanium implant were constructed.The average angles of closing pathways of the mandible during chewing movement were calculated both in chopping and grinding type patterns.The direction of forced variation of the mandible simulated the calculated angles of closing pathways.
The results were as follows
1. Determination of the direction of displacement constraints by calculating the angles of closing pathways during chewing movement enable analyzing stress distributions during functional movement.
2. The implant model has a high stress concentration in supporting bone around the neck of the implant, while the natural tooth model has sufficient stress distribution in supporting bone. It would suggest that much attention should be paid to occlusion of implant prosthesis.
3. C-type and G-type models showed different stress values for food. It was considered that the occlusal form corresponding to the chewing pattern should be given for implant prosthesis.