Increase in diameter of dental implants decreases bone stress: Study

The success of an implant-supported prosthesis is highly dependent on implant diameter and bone quality.

A study was conducted by a group of researchers from Spain to assess these two variables under axial or 30° angulated loading.

The study was conducted using finite element model simulations of dental implants with an unchanging length of 6.5 mm and varying diameters of Ø3.3; Ø3.5; Ø3.75; Ø4, Ø4.25 and Ø4.75 mm. The implants were placed in an axial position and a 2 mm high straight transepithelial (intermediate abutment) was used to perform a single tooth restoration. Four bone quality scenarios, Type IV, III, II or 0-I bone, were simulated from a simplified model of the mandible. A 200N load was applied both axially and at a 30° angle to the occlusal surface of the prosthesis, which was 11 mm above the implant platform, and the equivalent Von Mises stress in the bone was analyzed.

The results of the study are as follows:

· The maximum stress value was obtained for the Ø3.3 implant in Type IV bone (235 MPa), while the lowest value was obtained for the Ø4.75 implant and in Type 0-I bone (41 MPa).

· Regardless of the implant diameter, an improvement in bone quality produced a reduction in bone stress.

· The same effect was observed as the implant diameter was increased, being this effect even more pronounced.

Thus, the researchers concluded that implant diameter has an important effect on bone stress, with a reduction in stress as the implant diameter increases.

Reference:

A study titled, "Influence of Dental Implant Diameter and Bone Quality on the Biomechanics of Single-Crown Restoration: A Finite Element Analysis" by Anitua E et. al published in the Dent J.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/dj9090103