Experimental methodology for analysis of influence of dental implant design on load transfer

Abstract

Deformations in the vicinity of dental implants are affected by their design and if threshold level of 0.3 % is surpassed, bone resorption could occur. The goal of this study is to present a novel experimental approch for the analysis of effect od dental implant geometry on the surrounding structure strain values. A bone block model, with dimensions of 68x25x9 mm, was made from polymethyl-methacrylate. 3D printed block mold also provided a fixture for vertically placed Strauman ø4.0x12 mm. The sample was loaded in a three-point bending setup. The axial force of 600 N was applied on the dental implant. The Digital Image Correlation method was used for strain and displacement measurement.The highest von Mises strain of 0.7 % is located in the area of implant neck. The maximum displacement value in loading direction was 0.466 mm. Surface strain and displacement are correlated with implant geometry. This experimental methodology can be utilized to estimate dental implant load transfer characteristics.