The influence of the connection, length and diameter of an implant on bone biomechanics

Radiographic evaluation of the distance between the restoration margin and the alveolar bone crest in dental implant patients: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

The recently introduced Implant Disease Risk Assessment (IDRA) identifies a restoration margin-alveolar bone crest (RM-AC) distance of less than 1.5 mm as a key risk factor for peri‑implant disease among eight major risk factors. This study evaluated the impact of the RM-AC distance on marginal bone loss (MBL) through radiographic analysis.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 77 partially edentulous patients (39 females and 38 males, aged 22 to 76 years) with 202 platform-switched conical connection implants, cement-retained, implant-supported fixed restorations, and bone-level implants placed between 2016 and 2021. Dental implants were followed for least 6 to 36 months at follow up functional loading. Study participants were categorized into Group A (RM-AC distance ≤ 1.5 mm, n = 69) and Group B (RM-AC distance > 1.5 mm, n = 133). Twelve patients in Group B and five patients in Group A had no history of periodontal disease. The MBL was measured radiographically from the most coronal point of the implant shoulder to the alveolar bone, and the RM-AC distance was measured from the restoration margin to the alveolar crest. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used for statistical evaluation.

RESULTS

The incidence of MBL in Group A was statistically significant and 3.42 times higher than that in Group B. The rate of MBL in periodontitis Stage 4 was found to be 26.31 times higher than that in periodontitis Stage 2. The incidence of MBL was 6.097 and 5.02 times higher with increasing implant diameter and length, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study conclusively demonstrates that RM-AC distance ≤ 1.5 significantly increases the risk of MBL, particularly in patients with a history of periodontal disease.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study highlights the critical role of maintaining an RM-AC distance greater than 1.5 mm in the prevention of MBL, particularly in patients with a history of periodontal disease. Since implant diameter and length have a significant impact on the risk of MBL, it emphasizes that implant demographics should also be carefully evaluated.

Marginal Bone Level and Biomechanical Behavior of Titanium-Indexed Abutment Base of Conical Connection Used for Single Ceramic Crowns on Morse-Taper Implant: A Clinical Retrospective Study

The goal of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the behavior of Morse-taper indexed abutments by analyzing the marginal bone level (MBL) after at least 12 months of function. Patients rehabilitated with single ceramic crowns between May 2015 and December 2020 received single Morse-taper connection implants (DuoCone implant) with two-piece straight abutment baseT used for at least 12 months, presenting periapical radiograph immediately after crown installation were enrolled. The position of the rehabilitated tooth and arch (maxilla or mandible), crown installation period, implant dimensions, abutment transmucosal height, installation site (immediate implant placement or healed area), associated with bone regeneration, immediate provisionalization, and complications after installation of the final crown were analyzed. The initial and final MBL was evaluated by comparing the initial and final X-rays. The level of significance was α = 0.05. Seventy-five patients (49 women and 26 men) enrolled had a mean period of evaluation of 22.7 ± 6.2 months. Thirty-one implant-abutment (IA) sets had between 12–18 months, 34 between 19–24 months, and 44 between 25–33 months. Only one patient failed due to an abutment fracture after 25 months of function. Fifty-eight implants were placed in the maxilla (53.2%) and 51 in the mandible (46.8%). Seventy-four implants were installed in healed sites (67.9%), and 35 were in fresh socket sites (32.1%). Thirty-two out of these 35 implants placed in fresh sockets had the gap filled with bone graft particles. Twenty-six implants received immediate provisionalization. The average MBL was −0.67 ± 0.65 mm in mesial and −0.70 ± 0.63 mm in distal (p = 0.5072). The most important finding was the statistically significant difference comparing the values obtained for MBL between the abutments with different transmucosal height portions, which were better for abutments with heights greater than 2.5 mm. Regarding the abutments’ diameter, 58 had 3.5 mm (53.2%) and 51 had 4.5 mm (46.8%). There was no statistical difference between them, with the following means and standard deviation, respectively, −0.57 ± 0.53 mm (mesial) and −0.66 ± 0.50 mm (distal), and −0.78 ± 0.75 mm (mesial) and −0.746 ± 0.76 mm (distal). Regarding the implant dimensions, 24 implants were 3.5 mm (22%), and 85 implants (78%) had 4.0 mm. In length, 51 implants had 9 mm (46.8%), 25 had 11 mm (22.9%), and 33 implants were 13 mm (30.3%). There was no statistical difference between the abutment diameters (p > 0.05). Within the limitations of this study, it was possible to conclude that better behavior and lesser marginal bone loss were observed when using abutment heights greater than 2.5 mm of transmucosal portion and when placed implants with 13 mm length. Furthermore, this type of abutment showed a little incidence of failures within the period analyzed in our study.

Biomechanical Behavior of Narrow Dental Implants Made with Aluminum- and Vanadium-Free Alloys: A Finite Element Analysis

Titanium (Ti) alloys used for narrow dental implants usually contain aluminum (Al) and vanadium (V) for improved resistance. However, those elements are linked to possible cytotoxic effects. Thus, this study evaluated the biomechanical behavior of narrow dental implants made with Al- and V-free Ti alloys by the finite element method. A virtual model of a partially edentulous maxilla received single implants (diameter: 2.7 and 2.9 mm; length: 10 mm) at the upper lateral incisor area, with respective abutments and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Simulations were performed for each implant diameter and the following eight alloys (and elastic moduli): (1) Ti-6Al-4V (control; 110 GPa), (2) Ti-35Nb-5Sn-6Mo-3Zr (85 GPa), (3) Ti-13Nb-13Zr (77 GPa), (4) Ti-15Zr (113 GPa), (5) Ti-8Fe-5Ta (120 GPa), (6) Ti-26.88Fe-4Ta (175 GPa), (7) TNTZ-2Fe-0.4O (107 GPa), and (8) TNTZ-2Fe-0.7O (109 GPa). The implants received a labially directed total static load of 100 N at a 45° angle relative to their long axis. Parameters for analysis included the maximum and minimum principal stresses for bone, and von Mises equivalent stress for implants and abutments. Ti-26.88Fe-4Ta reaches the lowest maximum (57 MPa) and minimum (125 MPa) principal stress values, whereas Ti-35Nb-5Sn-6Mo-3Zr (183 MPa) and Ti-13Nb-13Zr (191 MPa) models result in the highest principal stresses (the 2.7 mm model surpasses the threshold for bone overload). Implant diameters affect von Mises stresses more than the constituent alloys. It can be concluded that the narrow implants made of the Ti-26.88Fe-4Ta alloy have the most favorable biomechanical behavior, mostly by mitigating stress on peri-implant bone.

Marginal bone loss around crestal or subcrestal dental implants: prospective clinical study

Objectives

The stability of crestal bone has been reported as a major factor in the success of dental implants. Implants can be placed in an equicrestal (crestal) or subcrestal position. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of implant depth placement on marginal bone loss.

Materials and Methods

The study was created in a split-mouth design. Immediately after implant surgery, digital parallel radiographs were prepared and levels of bone were measured where marginal bone loss and bone level changes occurred. These measurements were repeated at 3-month and 6-month follow-up periods.

Results

In this interventional study, 49 implants were evaluated in 18 patients. Primary bone height was not significant between the intervention and control groups in both mesial and distal aspects at 3 months and 6 months from the baseline. The mean marginal bone loss on the mesial side was 1.03 mm in the subcrestal group and 0.83 mm in the crestal group. In addition, mean marginal bone loss on the distal side was 0.88 mm and 0.81 mm in the subcrestal and crestal groups, respectively. Marginal bone loss was not significantly different between sexes, the maxilla or mandible, and in the anterior or posterior regions as well as between different lengths and diameters of implants.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, there was no significant difference in terms of marginal bone loss between crestal and subcrestal implants.

Clinical evaluation of single 4-mm implants in the posterior mandible: A 3-year follow-up pilot study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Extra-short implants in the posterior mandible can increase the functional surface area and reduce the risk of implant overload. However, reports of treatment using single extra-short implants in the posterior mandible with a midterm follow-up are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this prospective pilot study was to evaluate the clinical behavior of single extra-short 4-mm implants placed in the posterior mandible during a follow-up of 3 years from implant restoration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 18 participants with a single extra-short 4-mm-long implant placed in the area of the mandibular first molars participated in this pilot study. The survival and success rates of implants, as well as biologic and prosthetic variables, were evaluated during a follow-up of 3 years from implant restoration.

RESULTS

The survival rate of the implants was 100%, with no implant or biologic complications recorded. One prosthetic complication (loosening of 1 screw) was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Single extra-short (4 mm) implants in the posterior mandible showed favorable clinical behavior during the first 3-years of follow-up.

A 10 years retrospective study of assessment of prevalence and risk factors of dental implants failures

Aim:

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence rate of dental implants failure and risk factors affecting dental implant outcome.

Materials and Methods:

The present retrospective study was conducted on 826 patients who received 1420 dental implants in both genders. Length of implant, diameter of implant, location of implant, and bone quality were recorded. Risk factors such as habit of smoking, history of diabetes, hypertension, etc., were recorded.

Results:

In 516 males, 832 dental implants and in 310 females, 588 dental implants were placed. Maximum dental implant failure was seen with length <10 mm (16%), with diameter <3.75 mm, and with type IV bone (20.6%). The difference found to be significant (P < 0.05). Maximum dental implant failures were seen with smoking (37%) followed by hypertension (20.8%), diabetes (20.3%), and CVDs (18.7%). Healthy patients had the lowest failure rate (4.37%).

Conclusion:

Dental implant failure was high in type IV bone, dental implant with <3.75 mm diameter, dental implant with length <10.0 mm, and among smokers.

A Comparative 3D Finite Element Computational Study of Three Connections

Masticatory overload on dental implants is one of the causes of marginal bone resorption. The implant–abutment connection (IAC) design plays a critical role in the quality of the stress distribution, and, over the years, different designs were proposed. This study aimed to assess the mechanical behavior of three different types of IAC using a finite element model (FEM) analysis. Three types of two-piece implants were designed: two internal conical connection designs (models A and B) and one internal flat-to-flat connection design (model C). This three-dimensional analysis evaluated the response to static forces on the three models. The strain map, stress analysis, and safety factor were assessed by means of the FEM examination. The FEM analysis indicated that forces are transmitted on the abutment and implant’s neck in model B. In models A and C, forces were distributed along the internal screw, abutment areas, and implant’s neck. The stress distribution in model B showed a more homogeneous pattern, such that the peak forces were reduced. The conical shape of the head of the internal screw in model B seems to have a keystone role in transferring the forces at the surrounding structures. Further experiments should be carried out in order to confirm the present suppositions.

Influence of Abutment Collar Height and Implant Length on Stress Distribution in Single Crowns

Abstract This in silico study evaluated the influence of the abutment collar height and implants length on the biomechanical behavior of morse taper single dental implants with different crown-to-implant ratio. Six virtual models were constructed (S11, M11, L11, S13, M13 and L13) by combining short (S: 2.5 mm), medium (M: 3.5 mm) or long (L: 4.5 mm) abutment collar heights with different implant lengths (11 or 13-mm). An upper central incisor of 11-mm height was constructed on top of each abutment. Each set was positioned in a virtual bone model and exported to analyze mathematically. A 0.60-mm mesh was created after convergence analysis and a 49 N load was applied to the cingulum of the crown at an angle of 45°. Load-generated stress distribution was analyzed in the prosthetic components according to von Mises stress criteria (σvM) and in the cortical and cancellous bone by means of shear stress (εmax). The use of longer collar abutments (L11) increased the stress on the abutment by 250% and resulted in 40% higher stresses on the screw and 92% higher cortical shear stresses compared to short collared abutments (S11). Increasing the implant length produced a slight stress reduction on cortical bone. Cancellous bone was not affected by the crown-to-implant ratio. Longer abutment collars concentrate stresses at the implant level and cortical bone by increasing the crown-to-implant ratio.

[Expert consensus on biomechanical research of dental implant]

Current biomechanical research of dental implants focuses on the mechanical damage and enhancement mechanism of the implant-abutment interface as well as how to obtain better mechanical strength and longer fatigue life of dental implants. The mechanical properties of implants can be comprehensively evaluated by strain gauge analysis, photo elastic stress analysis, digital image correlation, finite element analysis, implant bone bonding strength test, and measurement of mechanical properties. Finite element analysis is the most common method for evaluating stress distribution in dental implants, and static pressure and fatigue tests are commonly used in mechanical strength test. This article reviews biomechanical research methods and evaluation indices of dental implants. Results provide methodology guidelines in the field of biomechanics by introducing principles, ranges of application, advantages, and limitations, thereby benefitting researchers in selecting suitable methods. The influencing factors of the experimental results are presented and discussed to provide implant design ideas for researchers.

Influence of cantilever position and implant connection in a zirconia custom implant-supported fixed partial prosthesis: in silico analysis

Abstract Introduction A better tension distribution on implants and abutments in implant-supported fixed partial prosthesis is essential in the rehabilitation of posterior mandible area. Objective: To evaluate the influence of cantilever position and implant connection in a zircônia custom implant-supported fixed partial prosthesis using the 3-D finite element method. Material and method: Four models were made based on tomographic slices of the posterior mandible with a zirconia custom three-fixed screw-retained partial prosthesis. The investigated factors of the in silico study were: cantilever position (mesial or distal) and implant connection (external hexagon or morse taper). 100 N vertical load to premolar and 300 N to molar were used to simulate the occlusal force in each model to evaluate the distribution of stresses in implants, abutments, screws and cortical and cancellous bone. Result: The external hexagon (EH) connection showed higher cortical compression stress when compared to the morse taper (MT). For both connections, the molar cantilever position had the highest cortical compression. The maximum stress peak concentration was located at the cervical bone in contact with the threads of the first implant. The prosthetic and abutment screws associated with the molar cantilevers showed the highest stress concentration, especially with the EH connection. Conclusion: Morse taper implant connetions associated with a mesial cantilever showed a more favorable treatment option for posterior mandible rehabilitation.

Influence of transmucosal height in abutments of single and multiple implant-supported prostheses: a non-linear three-dimensional finite element analysis

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of three different transmucosal heights of the abutments in single and multiple implant-supported prostheses through the finite element method. External hexagon implants, MicroUnit, and EsthetiCone abutments were scanned and placed in an edentulous maxillary model obtained from a tomography database. The simulations were divided into two groups: (1) one implant with 3.75 × 10 mm placed in the upper central incisor, simulating a single implant-supported fixed prosthesis with an EsthetiCone abutment; and (2) two implants with 3.75 × 10 mm placed in the upper lateral incisors with MicroUnit abutments, simulating a multiple implant-supported prosthesis. Subsequently, each group was subdivided into three models according to the transmucosal height (1, 2, and 3 mm). A static oblique load at an angle of 45 degrees to the long axis of the implant in palatal-buccal direction of 150 and 75 N was applied for multiple and single implant-supported prosthesis, respectively. The implants and abutments were assessed according to the equivalent Von Mises stress analyses while the bone and ceramics were analyzed through maximum and minimum principal stresses. The total deformation values increased in all models, while the transmucosal height was augmented. The transmucosal height of the abutments influences the stress values at the bone, ceramics, implants, and abutments of both the single and multiple implant-supported prostheses, with the transmucosal height of 1 mm showing the lowest stress values.

Factors Affecting the Survival Rate of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study

Aims and Objectives:

Dental implants have emerged as new treatment modality for the majority of patients and are expected to play a significant role in oral rehabilitation in the future. The present study was conducted to assess various factors affecting the survival rate of dental implants.

Materials and Methods:

The present retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics. In this study, 5200 patients with dental implants which were placed during June 2008–April 2015 were included. Exclusion criteria were patients with hormonal imbalance, patients with chronic infectious disease, patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, pregnant women, drug and alcohol addicts, and patients with severe periodontal diseases. Parameters such as name, age, gender, length of implant, diameter of implant, location of implant, and bone quality were recorded. Data were tabulated and statistically evaluated with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0., IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA.

Results:

Out of 5200 patients, 2800 were males and 2400 females. Maximum implants failures (55) were seen in age group above 60 years of age (males – 550, females –700). Age group <40 years (males – 750, females – 550) showed 20 failed implants. Age group 41–60 years (males – 1500, females – 1150) showed 45 failed implants. The difference was nonsignificant (P = 0.21). Maximum implant failure was seen in implants with length >11.5 mm (40/700) followed by implants with <10 mm (20/1650) and 10–11.5 mm (60/2850). The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Maximum implants failure (30/1000) was seen in implants with diameter <3.75 mm followed by implants with diameter >4.5 mm (16/1600) and implants with diameter 3.75–4.5 mm (50/2600). The Chi-square test showed significant results (P < 0.05). Mandibular posterior showed 3.3% implants failure, maxillary posterior revealed 2.2%, maxillary anterior showed 2.1%, and mandibular anterior showed 1% failure rate; this difference was significant (P < 0.05). Type I bone showed 0.3% implant failure, Type II showed 1.95%, Type III showed 3%, and Type IV revealed 0.8% failure rate; this difference was significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Age, length of implant, diameter of implant, bone quality, and region of implant are factors determining the survival rate of implants. We found that implant above 11.5 mm length, and with diameter <3.75 mm, placed in the mandibular posterior region, in Type III bone showed maximum failures.