Comparative evaluation of peri-implant stress distribution in implant protected occlusion and cuspally loaded occlusion on a 3 unit implant supported fixed partial denture: A 3D finite element analysis study

PURPOSE: To assess peri-implant stress distribution using finite element analysis in implant supported fixed partial denture with occlusal schemes of cuspally loaded occlusion and implant protected occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 3-D finite element model of mandible with D2 bone with partially edentulism with unilateral distal extension was made. Two Ti alloy identical implants with 4.2 mm diameter and 10 mm length were placed in the mandibular second premolar and the mandibular second molar region and prosthesis was given with the mandibular first molar pontic. Vertical load of 100 N and and oblique load of 70 N was applied on occlusal surface of prosthesis. Group 1 was cuspally loaded occlusion with total 8 contact points and Group 2 was implant protected occlusion with 3 contact points. RESULTS: In Group 1 for vertical load , maximum stress was generated over implant having 14.3552 Mpa. While for oblique load, overall stress generated was 28.0732 Mpa. In Group 2 for vertical load, maximum stress was generated over crown and overall stress was 16.7682 Mpa. But for oblique load, crown stress and overall stress was maximum 22.7561 Mpa. When Group 1 is compared to Group 2, harmful oblique load caused maximum overall stress 28.0732 Mpa in Group 1. CONCLUSION: In Group 1, vertical load generated high implant stress, and oblique load generated high overall stresses, cortical stresses and crown stresses compared to vertical load. In Group 2, oblique load generated more overall stresses, cortical stresses, and crown stresses compared to vertical load. Implant protected occlusion generated lesser harmful oblique implant, crown, bone and overall stresses compared to cuspally loaded occlusion.