Analysis of stress distribution in ceramic and titanium implants in alveolar sockets of the anterior region of the maxilla

BACKGROUND: In the routine of dentistry, knowing the biomechanical properties of implant systems and their inherent stress distribution under force loading is an essential step to predict structural damage and biological responses. This study aimed to investigate stress distribution in zirconia and titanium implants and their biomechanical response in alveolar sockets of the anterior region of the maxilla through tridimensional finite element analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From computed tomography scans of a reference patient, three models of the maxillary dental arch were designed with Rhinoceros 5.0 software (McNeel Europe™, Barcelona, Spain). In each model, a dental implant replaced the maxillary left central incisor. The implants consisted of M1) Zirconia Pure Ceramic Implant Monotype; M2) Zirconia Pure Ceramic ZLA; and M3) Titanium Bone Level - Roxolid SLA. Ceramic crowns were installed in all the implants. Implants and prostheses were loaded with 50N oblique and axial forces. Von-Mises and Mohr Coulomb criteria were used to assess stress distribution in the implant systems and perimplantar bone, respectively. RESULTS: Traction was detected in the cervical region of the palatal bone surface of all the models. Oppositely, compression was found in the cervical region of the vestibular bone surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: Zirconia Pure Ceramic Implant Monotype had the best response under oblique force loading. Ceramic implants may be an alternative to replace titanium implants in fresh alveolar sockets in the anterior region of the maxilla. Key words:Finite elements, implants, stress, ceramic, titanium.