Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the splinted implant prosthesis in a reconstructed mandible

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of the splinted implant prosthesis in a reconstructed mandible using three-dimensional finite element analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional finite element models were generated from a patient's computed tomography data. The patient had undergone partial resection of the mandible that covered the area from the left canine to the right condyle. The mandible was reconstructed using a fibula bone graft and dental implants. The left mandibular premolars and molars remained intact. Three types of models were created. The implant-supported prosthesis was splinted and segmented into two or three pieces. Each of these models was further subcategorized into two situations to compare the stress distribution around normal teeth and implants. Oblique loading of 300 N was applied on both sides of the mandible unilaterally. The maximum von Mises stress and displacement of the models were analyzed. RESULTS: The stress distribution of the natural mandible was more uniform than that of the reconstructed fibula. When the loading was applied to the implant prosthesis of reconstructed fibula, stress was concentrated at the cortical bone around the neck of the implants. The three-piece prosthesis model showed less uniform stress distribution compared to the others. Displacement of the components was positively correlated with the distance from areas of muscle attachment. The three-piece prosthesis model showed the greatest displacement. CONCLUSION: The splinted implant prosthesis showed a more favorable stress distribution and less displacement than the separated models in the reconstructed mandible.