Selection of the implant thread pitch for optimal biomechanical properties: A three-dimensional finite element analysis

In this paper, effects of the implant thread pitch on the maximum Von Mises stresses were evaluated in jaw bones and implant-abutment complex by a finite element method. The thread pitch ranged from 0.5 mm to 1.6 mm. Results suggested that under axial load, the maximum equivalent stresses in cortical bone. cancellous bone and implant-abutment complex decreased by 6.7%, 55.2% and 22.3%, respectively with the variation of thread pitch; and under buccolingual load, 2.7%, 22.4% and 13.0%, respectively. When thread pitch exceeded 0.8 mm, minimum stresses were obtained. Data indicated that cancellous bone was more sensitive to thread pitch than cortical bone did; thread pitch played a great role in protecting dental implant under axial load than under buccolingual load: and thread pitch exceeding 0.8 mm were optimal selection for a screwed implant by biomechanical consideration. Crown Copyright (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.