A New Model to Study Fatigue in Dental Implants Based on Probabilistic Finite Elements and Cumulative Damage Model

Abstract

The aim of this study was to predict the fatigue life of two different connections of a dental implant as in load transfer to bone. Two three-dimensional models were created and assembled. All models were subjected to a natural masticatory force of 118 N in the angle of 75° to the occlusal plane. All degrees of freedom in the inferior border of the cortical bone were restrained, and the mesial and distal borders of the end of the bone section were constrained. Fatigue material data and loads were assumed as random variables. Maximum principal stresses on bone were evaluated. Then, the probability of failure was obtained by the probabilistic approach. The maximum principal stress distribution predicted in the cortical and trabecular bone is 32 MPa for external connection and 39 MPa for internal connection. A mean life of 103 and 210 million cycles were obtained for external and internal connection, respectively. Probability cumulative function was also evaluated for both connection types. This stochastic model employs a cumulative damage model and probabilistic finite element method. This methodology allows the possibility of measured uncertainties and has a good precision on the results.

Implant Treatment in Atrophic Maxilla by Titanium Hybrid-Plates: A Finite Element Study to Evaluate the Biomechanical Behavior of Plates

“…Although these assumptions do not occur in clinical practice, they are common in finite element studies due to the challenges in establishing the properties of living tissues. These assumptions are consistent with other numerical studies [22,23,39]. In addition to these limitations, this work did not analyze the role of pterygoid implants as the goal was to study the biomechanical behavior of the plates.…”

“…In the last few decades, the finite element method (FEM) has become very popular in the field of biomechanics as it is a useful tool to numerically calculate aspects such as stresses and strains, and to evaluate the mechanical behavior of biomaterials and human tissues, considering the difficulty in making such an assessment in vivo [22,23].…”

“…Therefore, fatigue of materials is introduced in all dental rehabilitations. Results with a good accuracy are essential in dental studies as fatigue is very sensitive to many parameters [22].…”

A Comparative Analysis of Implants Presenting Different Diameters: Extra-Narrow, Narrow and Conventional

“…These distortions reached the outer surface, indicating a structural failure of the implant. Previous research from Bordin et al [29], Freitas et al [27] and Prados-Privado et al [30] showed that the comparison between internal cone implants, external hexagon, and internal hexagon showed a clear advantage for internal conical implants in relation to the others, considering the fatigue of the material.…”

Evaluation of Fatigue Behavior in Dental Implants from In Vitro Clinical Tests: A Systematic Review

“…In this case, internal connection ( Figure 1b) allowed a better union between the implant and the abutment. Finally, morse taper connection (Figure 1c), which is another option for an internal connection, was introduced because of its improvement on screw loosening [14][15][16].…”