A Nonlinear Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Stress Distribution and Microstrain Evaluation in Short Dental Implants with Three Different Implant–Abutment Connections in Single and Splinted Conditions in the Posterior Mandible

BACKGROUND: Stress distribution plays a vital role in the longevity and success of implant-supported prosthesis. This study evaluated the von Mises stress and microstrain in the peri-implant bone and the implant–abutment junction of short dental implants with three different implant–abutment connections in splinted and unsplinted conditions using finite element analysis (FEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, nine transversely isotropic finite element models were developed, and randomly divided into three equal groups (n = 3): control, (Group AC) single-standard 4.3 × 10 mm bone level implant-supported restorations with external hexagonal (EH) connection, internal conical (IC) and internal trichannel (ITC) connection, single short implant-supported restorations (Group AT), and splinted short implant-supported restorations (Group B) for each of the three implant–abutment connections, respectively. A 200 N load was applied along the long axis of the implants and a 100 N (45°) oblique load was applied and von Mises stress and microstrain values were evaluated. RESULTS: Single standard implants demonstrated the highest von Mises stress and microstrain values followed by single short implants and splinted short implants, respectively. Among the implant–abutment connections, the IC connection showed the highest values and the ITC connection showed the least values. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that splinting of short dental implants demonstrated lesser and more homogeneous stress and microstrain, especially on oblique loading. The microstrain values for all connections evaluated were within the physiological loading limit (200–2,500 N) and were hence considered safe for clinical use.