Influence of parafunctional loading and prosthetic connection on stress distribution: a 3D finite element analysis

Statement of problem: Clinicians should consider parafunctional occlusal load when planning treatment. Prosthetic connections can reduce the stress distribution on an implant-supported prosthesis.

Purpose: The purpose of this 3-dimensional finite element study was to assess the influence of parafunctional loading and prosthetic connections on stress distribution.

Material and methods: Computer-aided design software was used to construct 3 models. Each model was composed of a bone and an implant (external hexagon, internal hexagon, or Morse taper) with a crown. Finite element analysis software was used to generate the finite element mesh and establish the loading and boundary conditions. A normal force (200-N axial load and 100-N oblique load) and parafunctional force (1000-N axial and 500-N oblique load) were applied. Results were visualized as the maximum principal stress. Three-way analysis of variance and Tukey test were performed, and the percentage of contribution of each variable to the stress concentration was calculated from sum-of squares-analysis.

Results: Stress was concentrated around the implant at the cortical bone, and models with the external hexagonal implant showed the highest stresses (P<.001). Oblique loads produced high tensile stress concentrations on the site opposite the load direction.

Conclusions: Internal connection implants presented the most favorable biomechanical situation, whereas the least favorable situation was the biomechanical behavior of external connection implants. Parafunctional loading increased the magnitude of stress by 3 to 4 times.