3D-FEA of osseointegration percentages and patterns on implant-bone interfacial stresses

Objectives: The degree of osseointegration and its patterns are important for the success of implants. 3D-FEA was used to determine interfacial stresses on a single tooth implant (IMZ) for four degrees of osseointegration (100, 75, 50 and 25%), and five patterns at 50% osseointegration (locally alternating, coronal only, apical only, facial only and lingual only). Methods: The implant was restored with a metal-ceramic crown and subjected to 10 MPa axial or oblique applied stress. Resolved stresses were examined at four heights along the implant-bone interface. Results: The degree of osseointegration did not affect resolved stress levels or distributions. Oblique loads elevated interfacial stresses 5 to 20 times. Stresses were always higher at the bone crest. Conclusions: Osseointegration patterns with crestal bone reduced both crestal and apical stresses. Apical only osseointegration produced much higher apical stresses. Crestal osseointegration and axial loads minimized overall stress. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.