Stress analysis and factor of safety in three dental implant systems by finite element analysis

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the stress distribution and the factor of safety of three dental implant systems using the finite element method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three commercial dental implant systems were designed using Solid Works 2020 software: Model A with an internal octagonal connection and matching platform, Model B with an internal hexagon connection and switching platform, and Model C with an internal 15° conical-cylindrical connection and switching platform. A 200 N load was applied to each design in both axial and 30° oblique directions using the finite element method. RESULTS: In the three dental implant systems, the maximum von Mises stress was concentrated at the cervical level of the bone-implant interface in all models. Model C showed lower maximum stress values in both axial and 30° oblique loads. The highest maximum stress value was observed with the application of the oblique load in all the study models, and the factor of safety was less than one in Model A when subjected to a 200 N oblique load. CONCLUSION: The switching platform models generated lower maximum stress values and a factor of safety higher than one which is considered an acceptable value. Clinical relevance: A dental implant system with an internal hexagon or conical connection and a switching platform generates lower maximum von Mises stress values both on the implant components and on the peri-implant tissues.