Finite element analysis to determine the stress distribution in implant components

Abstract

A dental CAD/CAM system for implant prostheses in which abutments and superstructures are machined all together has been developed in our laboratory. For the fabrication process, analysis of a stress caused by occlusal force in the implant system is essential to establish an appropriate design of the prostheses in terms of biomechanics. Finite element analysis (FEA) has been recognized as a useful method which predicts the effect of stress on implant. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the stress distribution in the implant components using FEA and to determine a biomechanically ideal shape of the implant prostheses machined by the CAD/CAM system. The maximum stress values for the internal and external joint type are 1,400 and 2,000 MPa, respectively. It was demonstrated that the internal joint type could effectively resist to the stress, and reduce the stress value by 30% compared with the external joint type.