Structure-mechanical analysis of dental implants
Generally, has a dental implant the function of an artificial foundation, which substitutes the natural root of a tooth and serves as fixing medium for dentures. With a length between 8 and 14 mm and a diameter of 3 to 5 mm this implant must withstand chewing forces up to 500 N for decades.
Object is the analysis of static strength/life time of the implant, investigation of the interaction with the surrounding bone, for example when screwing the implant in the bone and the estimation of the resulting thermal bone damage due to frictional heating.
Method − A three dimensional model of the dental implant is generated. Using the Finite Element (FE) method, characteristic loads are simulated. The analysis considers regulations with respect to experimental testing of these implants (DIN EN 14801), prestresses in implants consisting of several parts and the properties of the surrounding bone structure.
As a result, the stress distribution and the deformation of the implant and of the bone are predicted. These quantities serve as the basis for the estimation of the static strength and life time of the implant as well as for the identification of the bone damage potential. They are the ideal starting point for implant optimisations.