Purpose: To apply finite element analysis (FEA) to investigate the stress distribution in a 4-mm-high ultrashort implant when supporting crowns of different heights in order to test the possibility of using this implant unitarily in the posterior edentulous mandible.
Materials and methods: Three models of atrophic mandibles were created (M1, M2, and M3). Each model contained a 4-mm-length implant of a titanium-zirconium alloy, screw-type with internal connection, supporting nonsplinted screwed-in crowns of 10, 12.5, and 15 mm in height. Axial and oblique loads were simulated in the three model crowns.
Results: In an oblique load, the stress tended to be concentrated in the lingual region. In the qualitative results of the axial load, peaks of tension occurred in the lower angle between the inner groove and the inner conical portion of the implant. Regarding the differences in crown height, the 15-mm height produced a higher stress peak due to the lever effect of the crown under an oblique load.
Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, the results suggest the possibility of using single crowns of proposed heights with unitary ultrashort implants installed in the posterior edentulous mandible, so long as there is no oblique load on the crown.