Effect of implant placement depth on bone remodeling on implant-supported single zirconia abutment crown: A 3D finite element study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of subcrestal implant placement depth on bone remodeling using time-dependent finite element analysis (FEA) with a bone-remodeling algorithm over 12 months. Methods: Seven models of different subcrestal implant placement depths (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mm) were analyzed using FEA to evaluate the biomechanical responses in the bone and implant, including von Mises equivalent stress, strain energy density (SED), and overloading elements. SED was used as a mechanical stimulus to simulate cortical and cancellous bone remodeling over the first 12 months after final prosthesis delivery. Results: The highest increase in cortical bone density was observed at Depth 1.5, whereas the lowest increase was observed at Depth 3.0. In contrast, the highest increase in bone density was observed at Depth 3.0 in the cancellous bone, whereas the lowest increase was observed at Depth 0. The highest peak von Mises stress in the cortical bone occurred at Depth 2.5 (107.24 MPa), while that in the cancellous bone was at Depth 2.5 (34.55 MPa). Notably, the maximum von Mises stress values in the cancellous bone exceeded the natural limit of the bony material, as indicated by the overloading elements observed at the depths of 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mm. Conclusions: Greater bone density apposition is observed with deeper implant placement. An implant depth of more than 1.5 mm exhibited a higher maximum von Mises stress and greater overloading elements.