A simple and efficient methodology to improve design proposals of dental implants - A design case study

To propose a methodology based on virtual simulation to assist in the design proposals of dental implants. Methods: The finite element method (FEM) was used to analyze the biomechanical dental implant system behavior, determining von Mises stress distribution induced by functional loads, varying parameter as load direction and geometric characteristic of the implant (taper, length, abutment angulation, thread pitch and width pitch). A final design was obtained by considering the parameters that showed improved performance. The estimated lifetime of the final design was calculated by reproducing in a virtual way the experimental fatigue test required by the ISO:14801 standards. Results: For all the studied cases, the maximum stresses were obtained in the connecting screw under oblique loads (OLs). The estimated lifetime for this critical part is at least 5 × 10⁶ cycles, which meets the requirement of the ISO:14801. In bone tissue, the largest stresses were concentrated in cortical bone, in the zone surrounding the implant, in good agreement with previous reports. Conclusions: A dental implant design was obtained and validated through a simple and efficient methodology based on the application of numerical methods and computer simulations.