مقالات

OBJECTIVES

To comparatively assess the masticatory stress distribution in bone around implants placed in the anterior maxilla with three different labial inclinations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three-dimensional finite element models were fabricated for three situations in anterior maxilla: (1) a fixture in contact with buccal cortical plate restored by straight abutment, (2) a fixture inclined at 15 degrees, and (3) 20 degrees labially restored with corresponding angled abutment. A palatal bite force of 146 N was applied to a point 3 mm below the incisal edge. Stress distribution around the bone-fixture interface was determined using ANSYS software.

RESULTS

The maximum compressive stress, concentrated in the labial crestal cortical bone, was measured to be 62, 108, and 122 MPa for 0-, 15-, and 20-degree labially inclined fixtures, respectively. The maximum tensile stress, concentrated in the palatal crestal cortical bone, was measured to be 60, 108, and 120 MPa for 0-, 15-, and 20-degree labially inclined fixtures, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

While all compressive stress values were under the cortical yield strength of 169 MPa, tensile stress values partially surpassed the yield strength (104 MPa) especially when a 20-degree inclination was followed for fixture placement.