Influence of different implant-abutment connections on stress distribution in single tilted implants and peripheral bone: A three-dimensional finite element analysis

BACKGROUND. The load transfer between the implant-bone interface depends on various factors, including loading type; material properties of the implant and prosthesis; and implant geometry, length, diameter, and shape. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate stress distribution in single tilted bone-level implants with different connections and peripheral bone under vertical and oblique loads using three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA). METHOS. 3D models of four different implant systems and their abutments were created from the data (computer-aided design) of original implants and abutments scanned with an optical scanner. The implants were placed in the bone block at degrees of 0 degrees, 15 degrees, and 30 degrees. Then, a 3D model of the metal-ceramic crown was created and a 100-N total load was applied vertically and obliquely. RESULTS. Stress analyses showed variable results depending on the connection design and tilting angle; however, the tube in tube (TIT) connection type exhibited lower stress values in most loading and tilting simulations. CONCLUSIONS. Increase in tilting angle showed variable results in each connection design. The TIT connection design was found to be more successful in terms of stress distributions in the implant components and the peripheral bone.