Stress Analysis of Prostheses Retained with Zygomatic Implants on Augmented and Non-Augmented Maxillary Sinus

Zygomatic implants for toothless, atrophic posterior maxilla are effective treatment options and it is known that graft use has a positive effect on the zygomatic implant stability with this treatment option. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress values and their distribution at zygomatic implant-supported prosthetic infrastructure in augmented and non-augmented models. In this study, the three-dimensional finite element method was used and 2 zygomatic implants (47.5 x 4.0 mm), 2 conventional implants (13 x 3.75 mm) and atrophic maxilla with augmented and non-augmented maxillary sinus with prosthetic infrastructure, were modelled. A vertical load of 150 N was applied onto the maxillary model at 4 different regions (#9, #12, #14 and #15). The von Mises stress, which is produced as a result of loading of zygomatic implants and prosthetic infrastructure has been evaluated in augmented and non-augmented models. The highest von Mises stress value for the prosthetic infrastructure was determined in the non-augmented model as a result of the loading to region #9 (MPa 222,886). Consequently, grafting procedures will increase bone support and reduce stresses in the prosthetic substructure, especially in posterior loads in the maxilla with low bone density.