Evaluation of stress pattern generated through various thread designs of dental implants loaded in a condition of immediately after placement and on osseointegration--an FEA study.

PURPOSE: To determine the stress pattern generated through various thread design in experimental simulation models, when loaded immediately after placement and after osseointegration. METHODS: Three-dimensional (3D) models were designed using CATIA, computer-aided design modeling software. The study was planned in 2 stages. Eight 2D models were constructed of different thread forms, one set with frictionless and other with bonded for bone to implant interface and loaded vertically with 100 N. In Stage II, 6 3D models of the different threads embedded in the cortical bone were constructed and loaded vertically and obliquely. RESULTS: In 2D models, the von Mises stress concentrated at the crest in the bonded connection thread designs. The stress levels were in the range of 7 to 13 MPa. In the frictional implant bone interface, the thread designs had a clear effect on the stress levels in the bone. In the 3D analysis, the complete implant design affected the stress levels. CONCLUSIONS: The thread design affects the magnitude of the stress peak in the bone more effectively in immediately loaded (frictionless) implants than the osseointegrated (bonded) implants. Maximum stress was observed at the first thread in most of the osseointegrated implants.