Biomechanical Fatigue Behavior of a Dental Implant Due to Chewing Forces: A Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

The use of titanium as a biomaterial for the treatment of dental implants has been successful and has become the most viable and common option. However, in the last three decades, new alternatives have emerged, such as polymers that could replace metallic materials. The aim of this research work is to demonstrate the structural effects caused by the fatigue phenomenon and the comparison with polymeric materials that may be biomechanically viable by reducing the stress shielding effect at the bone–implant interface. A numerical simulation was performed using the finite element method. Variables such as Young’s modulus, Poisson’s coefficient, density, yield strength, ultimate strength, and the S-N curve were included. Prior to the simulation, a representative digital model of both a dental implant and the bone was developed. A maximum load of 550 N was applied, and the analysis was considered linear, homogeneous, and isotropic. The results obtained allowed us to observe the mechanical behavior of the dental implant by means of displacements and von Mises forces. They also show the critical areas where the implant tends to fail due to fatigue. Finally, this type of non-destructive analysis proves to be versatile, avoids experimentation on people and/or animals, and reduces costs, and the iteration is unlimited in evaluating various structural parameters (geometry, materials, properties, etc.).

Mechanical and Material Analysis of 3D-Printed Temporary Materials for Implant Reconstructions—A Pilot Study

“…This means that the use of the deformational failure criterion with SPH particle conversion is correct in the context of mapping the behavior of materials used in biomedical practice. In many existing studies [33][34][35][36][37], the authors have focused on conducting numerical analysis in static ranges without taking into account fracture mechanics. This has allowed for the prediction of stresses occurring in simplified conditions, but cannot predict, for example, the development of cracks.…”