Comparison of Stresses Around Dental Implants Placed in Normal and Fibula Reconstructed Mandibular Models using Finite Element Analysis.

PURPOSE: This study was formulated to evaluate and compare stresses around endosseous implants in various normal and fibula reconstructed mandibular models using finite element analysis method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scan data of a completely edentulous patient and a fibula reconstructed patient was made and the Dicom images were used to design 3-D mandibular models using software. Based on the information from the scan data, various types of reconstructed FEA models were made. Implants (fixtures) and superstructures were then embedded in each model and Von Mises stress around the neck of each implant under a vertical loading of 200 N and Horizontal load of 50 N was calculated using finite element structural analysis software. The results were compared between the reconstructed mandible and their respective normal mandible.

RESULTS: Higher stress values were obtained for all the reconstructed types under horizontal loading and in reconstructed models involving larger area of reconstruction the stress were more. In the models involving smaller area of reconstruction like symphysis alone or body alone there is no significant change in the stress values on vertical loading.

CONCLUSION: Stresses were comparatively smaller in mandibles involving a smaller area of reconstruction. Hence, fixed prosthesis could be advised and a bar retained over denture for reconstruction for larger area of reconstruction.