Investigating the Impact of Implant Diameter and Pitch on Stress Distribution in Osseointegrated Implants and Bone Structure

A 3D Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Dental implants have revolutionized dentistry by offering a durable and aesthetic solution for tooth replacement. Understanding the biomechanical behavior of dental implants and their interaction with surrounding bone tissue is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes. This study investigates the stress distribution within dental implants and bone structure using finite element analysis to enhance implant design and biomechanical performance. The methodology involved designing and modeling bone structure, comprising cortical and cancellous bone, along with various implant configurations. Finite element analysis, conducted using Ansys Workbench 2023 R1, allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of stress distribution under axial and oblique loading conditions. Results revealed significant stress distribution differences across implant designs and loading scenarios. Notably, under axial loading, implants with V-thread design (0.75 mm pitch, 3.5 mm diameter) exhibited lower von Mises stress in cancellous bone (4.23E+06 Pa) compared to those with V-thread design (0.75 mm pitch, 4.5 mm diameter) (4.63E+06 Pa).  Similarly, buccolingual loading resulted in higher shear stress in cortical bone for implants with V-thread design (0.75 mm pitch, 4.5 mm diameter) (9.61E+06 Pa) compared to those with V-thread design (0.5 mm pitch, 3.5 mm diameter) (8.29E+06 Pa). These findings underscore the importance of implant design parameters in influencing stress distribution and biomechanical performance. By optimizing implant dimensions and thread type, clinicians can minimize the risk of biomechanical complications and enhance implant stability, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients undergoing dental implant procedures.