An Investigation of Tooth/Implant-Supported Fixed Prosthesis Designs with Two Different Stress Analysis Methods: An in vitro Study

PURPOSE: Tooth/implant-supported fixed prostheses (TIFPs) present biomechanical design problems, because the implant is rigidly anchored within the alveolus, and the tooth is attached by the periodontal ligament that allows movement. While TIFP designs with rigid connectors (RCs) are preferred by many clinicians, the designs containing non-rigid connectors (NRCs) are suggested as a method to compensate for these mobility differences. However, studies have failed to show the advantage of one design over the other. This study examined stresses formed around the implant and natural tooth abutments under occlusal forces, using two dimensional finite element (2D-FEM) and photoelastic stress analysis methods (PSAM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Connection of TIFP designs were investigated in distal extension situations using stress analysis interpreted with the 2D-FEM and PSAM. Three TIFP (screw type implant, 3.75 mm x 13 mm) models with various connection designs (i.e., rigidly connected to an abutment tooth, connected to an abutment tooth with an NRC, connected to an abutment implant with an NRC) were studied. The stress values of the three models loaded with vertical forces (250 N) were analyzed. RESULTS: The highest level of stresses around the implant abutment was noted on the TIFPs with the RC. On the other hand, NRCs incorporated into prostheses at the site of the implant abutment reduced the level of stresses in bone. CONCLUSION: It could be suggested that if tooth and implant abutments are to be used together as fixed prostheses supports, NRCs should be placed on the implant abutment-supported site.     

Finite Element Stress Analysis of Tooth-to-Implant Fixed Partial Denture Designs

Purpose The purpose of this study was to conduct a three-dimensional finite element stress analysis to compare models representing a natural tooth and an integrated implant connected with rigid and nonrigid prostheses. Materials and Methods The mathematical models described an integrated implant connected to a second premolar tooth with a three-unit metal-ceramic fixed partial denture. In one model, the tooth and implant were rigidly connected, and in the other, a nonrigid connection was assumed. From a simulated vertical load the computer generated resultant stress contours and values (compressive and tensile) in horizontal and vertical dimensions. Results A comparison of the magnitude and pattern of stresses generated in the models shows minimal differences. Although the maximum stress values were slightly higher in some areas of the rigid prosthesis model, the differences were negligible. Conclusions Based on the similarities in both the patterns of stress contours and the stress values generated in the two models, advocating a nonrigid connection because of a biomechanical advantage may be erroneous.     

Long-term results of telescopic crown retained dentures--a retrospective study

The clinical data for 250 telescopic crown retained dentures involving 617 abutment teeth preparations were collected and analysed in a retrospective study to ascertain the survival rate of the dentures and their abutment teeth. During the study period 10.6% of the abutment teeth had to be extracted. An increased number of telescopic crowns significantly improved the longevity of the prostheses and their associated abutment teeth in most denture designs, but this was not found to be the case with bilateral free-end saddle designs without an anterior bounded saddle. The use of more than four abutment teeth did not result in a higher survival rate.     

The influence of prosthesis designs and loading conditions on the stress distribution of tooth-implant supported prostheses

The aim of this study was to observe the influence of prosthesis design and loading condition on the stress distributions of tooth-implant supported prostheses. Six 2D finite element models, two reference models, and four experimental models were computed to simulate different prosthesis designs. Six different loading conditions were applied to investigate the stress distributions of tooth and implant, respectively. The stresses of reference models were considered as 100%; the stresses of experimental models at the same locations were compared with those of reference models. The stresses around implants were higher than those around teeth. When vertical loading was applied only on the implant, the stresses to both the implant and teeth were at their lowest. The highest stress to the tooth was in the model TTPF and the lowest in the model TPFF. The highest stress to the implant was in the model TPPF and the lowest in the model TPFF. These data indicated that the loading on the tooth-implant supported prosthesis was mainly supported by the implant. Minimizing the loading on the tooth decreased the stress to both the tooth and the implant. Adding fixtures as abutment was more effective in decreasing the stress than adding tooth as abutment in tooth-implant supported prosthesis.     

Photoelastic stress analysis of implant-tooth connected prostheses with segmented and nonsegmented abutments

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: There is some question about whether implant abutment selection affects the transfer of load between connected implants and natural teeth. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare stress transfer patterns with either 1 or 2 posterior implants connected to a single anteriorly located simulated natural tooth with either 1 or 2 segmented and nonsegmented implant abutments under relevant functional loads by use of the photoelastic stress analysis technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A model of a human left mandible, edentulous posterior to the first premolar, with two 3.75-mm x 13-mm screw-type implants embedded within the edentulous area, was fabricated from photoelastic materials. The implants were in the first and second molar positions. Two fixed partial denture prosthetic restorations were fabricated with either segmented conical abutments or nonsegmented UCLA abutments. Vertical occlusal loads were applied at fixed locations on the restorations. The photoelastic stress fringes that developed in the supporting mandible were monitored visually and recorded photographically. The stress intensity (number of fringes), stress concentrations (closeness of fringes), and their locations were subjectively compared. RESULTS: Loading on the restoration over the simulated tooth generated apical stresses of similar intensity (fringe order) at the tooth and the first molar implant for both abutment types. Low-level stress was transferred to the second molar implant. Loading directed on the implant-supported region of the restoration demonstrated low transfer of stress to the simulated tooth. Nonvertical stress transfer with slightly higher intensity was observed for the nonsegmented abutment. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this simulation study, stress distribution and intensity for the 2 implant conditions was similar for segmented and nonsegmented abutment designs. Magnitude of stresses observed for both abutment designs was similar for the single implant condition. Vertical loading produced more nonaxial stresses away from the force applied for the 1 implant condition with the nonsegmented abutment. Direct loading results were similar for both abutment designs. Specific recommendations for selection of implant abutment and application should be based on clinical criteria.     

不同直径种植体与天然牙联合支持固定桥的应力分析

目的:通过三维有限元方法研究种植体直径对天然牙种植体联合固定桥周围骨组织应力的影响。方法:CT扫描获得志愿者DICOM数据,通过Mimics软件、Imageware逆向工程软件及ANSYS软件处理,先建立左侧下颌第二前磨牙和第二磨牙支持的天然牙固定桥三维有限元模型,用不同直径种植体替换下颌第二磨牙得到一系列种植体-天然牙联合支持式固定桥的三维有限元模型。分别在垂直向和斜向45°集中加载下,对比分析天然牙及种植体周围的应力分布情况。结果:相同加载条件下,不同模型的第二前磨牙(天然牙)颈部应力无明显区别。对联合支持式固定桥,当种植体直径由3.5 mm增加为4.3 mm时,种植体颈部和基台的应力明显降低(近1/2);随种植体直径增加,2处应力也继续降低,但降低的幅度明显放缓。结论:随着种植体直径的增大,种植体颈缘处骨组织及基台的von Mises应力逐渐减小,但对天然牙周围的应力影响较小。斜向载荷时,天然牙、种植体周围骨组织及基台受到的von Mises应力显著增大,更易导致固定桥修复的失败。     

Freestanding and tooth-implant connected prostheses in the treatment of partially edentulous patients. Part I: An up to 15-years clinical evaluation

In 123 patients, 339 implants were connected to 313 teeth by means of fixed partial prostheses (test) and followed up for 1.5-15 years (mean: 6.5). In another ad random selected 123 patients, 329 implants were connected to each other by means of 123 freestanding fixed partial prostheses (control) and were followed up for 1.3-14.5 years (mean: 6.2). The aim of this study was to compare both treatment modalities with each other based on implant, tooth and prosthesis complications. The cumulative implant success, based on implant immobility and/or lack of implant fractures after loading, in the test and control groups amounted to 95% and 98.5%, respectively. Although in the test group 10 implants versus only 1 in the control group failed, a regression analysis of the survival data, based on the cox proportional hazards model, revealed no significant difference. In the test group periapical lesions (3.5%), tooth fracture (0.6%) and tooth extraction due to fatal decay or periodontitis (1%) were observed, besides tooth intrusion (3.4%) and crown cement failure (8%). Framework fracture occurred in 3 patients. In the control group, only 2 abutment screws fractured. The treatment of partial edentulism by means of oral implants was beneficial for our patients. Because of a clear tendency of more implant failures (mobility or fractures) and tooth complications in the tooth-implant connected prostheses, the freestanding solution is the primary option to be considered. To avoid intrusion of abutment teeth, the connection, if made, should be completely rigid.     

Tooth- and implant-supported prostheses: a retrospective clinical follow-up up to 8 years

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical treatment outcome of fixed prostheses in different sizes and with combinations of different numbers of teeth and implants as abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 115 implants were placed in 36 patients, 75 (65%) in the maxilla and 40 (35%) in the mandible. The implants were connected to 85 abutment teeth, 50 in the maxilla and 35 in the mandible. Of the prosthetic restorations, 19 were gold ceramic, 17 were gold acrylic, three were titanium acrylic, one was titanium ceramic, and one was titanium composite. The observation period ranged from 14 months to 8.9 years. The treatments comprised both fixed partial dentures supported by one tooth and one implant as well as complete-arch fixed prostheses supported by a number of teeth and implants. RESULTS: A total of nine implants were lost, three during healing and six after loading. The postloading cumulative implant survival rate was 89.8% after 5 years. Five abutment teeth were lost, and of the 41 prostheses included in the study, only two (5%) were lost during the observation period. Marginal bone loss was registered around 46 implants at the 1-year follow-up examination. During the following observation period, only slight changes in the marginal bone level adjacent to the implants and teeth were registered. The magnitude of technical complications was low. CONCLUSION: This investigation confirms the findings in similar studies that treatments with periodontally healthy teeth and implants splinted together in rigid one-piece superstructures show excellent long-term follow-up results.     

Efficacy of a posterior implant support for extra shortened dental arches: a biomechanical model analysis

The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of utilizing implants underneath distal free-end denture bases to establish a stable occlusal support for extreme shortened dental arches (ESDA). The authors constructed a two-dimensional finite element model of the ESDA where only lower anterior teeth remain. Posterior occlusal support was provided by a fixed partial denture with an osseointegrated implant (IFPD), fixed cantilever partial denture (CFPD), or a removable partial denture with or without an implant underneath (IRPD and RPD). A dentate mandible model was the control. When muscle vectors simulating clenching force were applied, stress levels on the temporal bone surface area under each configuration were compared, to evaluate the efficacy in establishing the occlusal support. The largest stress increase in temporal bone was found in the ESDA situation followed by the RPD. The least amount of stress increase was found with the IFPD followed by IRPD when the implant was placed in the molar region. The stress increase with IRPD was about 20-45% of the amount with RPD. Our results suggest that IFPD provides most favourable and stable occlusal support, however, IRPD with a single posterior implant also provide stable occlusal support with reducing the stress levels in the temporomandibular joint.     

The influence of splinting procedures on the periodontal and peri-implant tissue damping characteristics A longitudinal study with the Periotest® device

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the capability of the Periotest® device in detecting and monitoring functional changes in the periodontal as well as in the peri-implant damping characteristics. In the first part of this study, 107 teeth were splinted by means of 40 full acrylic fixed prostheses (AFP) and another 37 teeth were splinted by means of 14 ceramometallic fixed pros-theses (C-MFP). The Periotest® measurements of individual teeth were done the day the fixed prostheses were cemented temporary (PTV 1), and again after a mean observation period of 27.4 days (PTV 2). In the 2nd part, 78 osseointegrated two-stage implants were splinted by means of 23 full acrylic fixed prosthesis (AFP) and other 18 implants were left without it. Using the same abutment length, Periotest® measurements were performed, at abutment connections and before installation of the final prosthesis. In a 3rd part, using both implants and teeth as abutments, 29 osseointegrated implants were connected with 25 abutment teeth by means of 7 AFP. The measurements were performed at the beginning of the prosthetic treatment and 2, 4 and 6 weeks later. After splinting teeth by means of AFP for the observation period, no statistically significant reduction in PTVs was found. When on the other hand, a C-MFP was used, PTV 2 showed a significant reduction. The PTVs at abutment connection went down after a period of time, during which some implants were interconnected by means of an AFP and others were not. Although this difference was not significant, it was more notable in the implants that received a AFP. In this study, the establishment of a connection between teeth and implants, did not induce any significant change in the damping characteristics of the periodontal tissues detectable by the Periotest®, even after a period of 6 weeks.     

Influence of the Connector and Implant Design on the Implant–Tooth‐Connected Prostheses

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate stress transfer patterns between implant–tooth‐connected prostheses comparing rigid and semirigid connectors and internal and external hexagon implants. Materials and Methods: Two models were made of photoelastic resin PL‐2, with an internal hexagon implant of 4.00 × 13 mm and another with an external hexagon implant of 4.00 × 13 mm. Three denture designs were fabricated for each implant model, incorporating one type of connection in each one to connect implants and teeth: 1) welded rigid connection; 2) semirigid connection; and 3) rigid connection with occlusal screw. The models were placed in the polariscope, and 100‐N axial forces were applied on fixed points on the occlusal surface of the dentures. Results: There was a trend toward less intensity in the stresses on the semirigid connection and solid rigid connection in the model with the external hexagon; among the three types of connections in the model with the internal hexagon implant, the semirigid connection was the most unfavorable one; in the tooth–implant association, it is preferable to use the external hexagon implant. Conclusions: The internal hexagon implant establishes a greater depth of hexagon retention and an increase in the level of denture stability in comparison with the implant with the external hexagon. However, this greater stability of the internal hexagon generated greater stresses in the abutment structures. Therefore, when this association is necessary, it is preferable to use the external hexagon implant.     

Orthodontic and prosthetic rehabilitation of unilateral free-end edentulous space

Most patients prefer fixed dentures, even in the presence of uni and bilateral free-end saddle. The most suitable treatment for this is an implant or implant-supported prosthetic restoration. A combined prosthetic and orthodontic treatment with distalization of a posterior tooth towards the edentulous region is an alternative approach. This study involved a 34.3 year old female patient who had a free-end edentulous space on the left mandibula and missing 1st and 3rd molars on the right mandibula. The patient was offered both a removable partial denture and implant treatment options. A detailed explanation of her situation and suitable treatments were given but she refused both options. Therefore, an alternative combined treatment involving prosthodontic and orthodontic disciplines was performed. The second premolar tooth was distalized orthodontically and used as a distal bridge abutment. After 65 months, prosthetic restoration was functional and abutment teeth and periodontium were pathology free, and the patient was satisfied with the results.     

Modification of osseointegrated implants for distal-extension prostheses

The use of a distal implant abutment splinted to a natural tooth by a fixed partial denture has been employed for distal-extension prostheses. There is a differential difference between the viscoelastic deflection of a natural tooth by its periodontal ligament, and the almost negligible elastic deformation of an osseointegrated implant. This difference may induce a fulcrum-like effect and overstress the implant. In this study a new modification of osseointegrated implants was proposed to counteract this problem. This modification was achieved by using a resilient layer material under the superstructure of the implant. Finite element modeling (FEM) was used to examine stresses and displacement distribution around a commercially available implant and one experimental implant with a resilient layer material. The results of this study showed that the new modification is a simple and efficient way to mimic the structural natural tooth unit. It also showed that it allowed movement of the superstructure without movement of the implant three times that of the nonresilient model.     

天然牙-种植体联合支持式义齿的应力分析

目的:比较以常规固定桥、固定式套筒冠和CEKA冠外精密附着体为上部结构的天然牙-种植体联合支持义齿的应力分布情况,寻求联合支持义齿上部结构的优化设计方案。方法:利用ANSYS三维有限元法,建立下颌右侧第一磨牙缺失、以下颌第二前磨牙和种植体(位于下颌第二磨牙)联合支持局部固定义齿的三维有限元模型,采用分散垂直和分散斜向(45°)两种加载方式(总加载力200N)。结果:2种加载条件下,固定式套筒冠和CEKA附着体都明显降低了种植体和天然牙周围骨组织的应力,垂直加载时,前者应力值低于后者;斜向加载时,后者低于前者,但后者会使天然牙局部应力有所增加。斜向加载时,种植体及其周围骨组织和天然牙及其周围骨组织的应力值均大于垂直加载条件下的应力值。结论:固定式套筒冠和CEKA附着体均能改善联合支持义齿的应力分布,CEKA附着体对侧向力的缓冲作用较优。     

Cantilever fixed prostheses utilizing dental implants: a 10-year retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The dental literature has been unclear about long-term success of fixed cantilever prostheses supported by dental implants. The disappointing results reported when cantilever fixed partial dentures (FPDs) are supported with natural teeth are not directly applicable to implant cantilever FPDs. This article reports on 10 years of implant-retained fixed prostheses primarily in the maxillary arch using the ITI dental implant system. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Sixty cantilever prostheses using 115 ITI dental implants on 36 patients were placed and monitored over a 10-year period. RESULTS: No implant fractures, abutment fractures, porcelain fractures, prosthesis fractures, soft tissue recession, or radiographic bone loss were recorded. All 60 cantilevered prostheses remain in satisfactory function. CONCLUSION: Positive, long-term results, using implant-retained cantilever FPDs can be achieved by: (1) using a rough surface implant of 4.1 mm or greater; (2) using an implant/abutment design that reduces stacked moving parts and reduces the implant-to-crowns ratio; and (3) using a cementable prosthesis design that eliminates the need for occlusal screw retention.     

上颌游离端可摘局部义齿修复基牙的三维有限元应力分析

目的：本研究采用三维有限元动态分析法，对上颌游离端可摘局部义齿修复双尖牙基牙进行应力分析。方法：利用工程扫描系统、计算机辅助设计软件和有限元程序，模拟天然牙齿建立三维有限元模型。根据基牙的受力情况制作7种实验模型，并结合He支托的不同设计，常规载荷下，对基牙在近远中、颊舌向和咬合方向进行应力分析。结果：1)游离末端基牙远中牙颈部为最大应力区。2)远中He支托对基牙的损伤较近中殆支托大，He支托设计位置越向近中移动，其对基牙的损伤越小。3)颊舌向外力和近远中方向外力对基牙造成的损害比来自咬合方向明显大。结论：上颌游离可摘局部义齿，使用近中He支托，远中固位臂加远中邻面板的类似设计更有效地减少不良应力对基牙带来的伤害。     

部分牙缺失种植即刻功能负荷的临床探讨

目的:对部分牙缺失种植即刻功能负荷进行临床探讨。方法:将NobelBiocare种植体植入颌骨内,种植体植入扭力必须达到35Ncm以上。选择永久基台接在种植体上,用一定的扭力拧紧基台,基台水平印模,按常规制作和即刻戴上临时塑料修复体。6周后再印模,制作和戴上烤瓷修复体。结果:36例65枚种植体中,下颌22例41枚种植体,上颌14例24枚种植体,修复后成功率为98.5%。结论:部分牙缺失种植即刻功能负荷初步临床结果是满意的,其长期效果有待进一步的观察。     

The relationship of bone resorption around dental implants to abutment design: a preliminary 1-year clinical study

The influence of abutment design on bone resorption around immediately loaded and osseointegrated implants used to support fixed partial prostheses was investigated in a 1-year study. One hundred ten implants were placed in 24 anterior partially edentulous maxillae. The probing depths of each implant were measured 6 and 12 months after abutment placement and analyzed statistically. Total probing depth was 1.75 ± 0.75 mm. There were significant differences between non- and submerged implants with angled abutments and between submerged implants with straight and angled abutments. No significant differences were observed between non- and submerged implants with straight abutments and between nonsubmerged implants with straight and angled abutments. Bone resorption around dental implants is influenced by the abutment design and the associated implantation protocol.     

Influence of Abutment Selection in Maxillary Kennedy Class II RPD on Elastic Stress Distribution in Oral Mucosa: An FEM Study

PURPOSE: The aim was to study the influence of abutment selection on elastic stress distribution in oral mucosa in a maxillary removable partial denture (RPD) by means of 3-dimensional finite element models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four RPD framework models of an equal size (by area) and underlying oral mucosa were produced for a Kennedy Class II arch. Each framework included an occlusal rest as part of a clasp assembly on one of four abutments (canine, first, and second premolars, and first molar) on the side contralateral to the edentulous ridge (tooth-supported side). Movement of the alveolar surface of the mucosa and the occlusal rest on the abutment adjacent to the ridge were fixed in a vertical direction. Movement of the rest on the tooth-supported side was restricted in all directions. Vertical or buccally oblique biting force was applied simultaneously on each of the locations representing three missing teeth. RESULTS: The frameworks with the contralateral side rest on the canine or the first premolar were less resistant to lateral forces than other framework designs, showing greater saddle displacements under the oblique force than the vertical force. The framework with the rest on the second premolar demonstrated relatively good resistance to deflection; however, both vertical saddle intrusion and the maximum equivalent stress in mucosa shown in all the models were within small ranges. CONCLUSION: The saddle movement was influenced by the abutment selection on the tooth-supported side, although resultant stress in the mucosa was insensitive to the abutment location.     

Retrospective evaluation of complete-arch fixed partial dentures connecting teeth and implant abutments in patients with normal and reduced periodontal support

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The clinical outcome of complete-arch fixed prostheses supported by implants and natural tooth abutments in patients with normal or reduced periodontal support has been reported by few studies, with controversial results. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report on the implant success rate, prosthetic complications, and the occurrence of tooth intrusion, when complete-arch fixed prostheses, supported by a combination of implants and teeth, were fabricated for patients with normal and reduced periodontal support. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with residual teeth that served as abutments were consecutively treated with combined tooth- and implant-supported complete-arch fixed prostheses and were retrospectively evaluated after a period varying from 24 to 94 months. Nine patients showed reduced periodontal support as a result of periodontal disease and treatment (RPS group), and 10 patients had normal periodontal support of the abutment teeth (more than 2/3 of periodontal support [NPS group]). Ninety implants and 72 tooth abutments were used to support 19 fixed partial dentures. Screw- and cement-retained metal-ceramic and metal-resin prostheses were fabricated with rigid and nonrigid connectors. Implant survival and success rates, occurrence of caries and tooth intrusion, and prosthetic complications were recorded. The number of teeth, implants, prosthetic units, fixed partial dentures, and nonrigid connectors were compared with a t test to assess differences between the 2 groups, while data for the occurrence of intrusions and prosthetic complications were compared with the Fisher exact test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: One of the 90 implants was lost (99% survival rate) over 24 to 94 months, while 3 implants showed more than 2 mm of crestal bone loss (96% success rate) over the same period. No caries were detected, but 5.6% (4/72) of the abutment teeth exhibited intrusion. Intrusion of abutment teeth was noted in 3 patients who had normal periodontal support (13% of teeth in NPS group) of the abutment teeth and was associated with nonrigid connectors. No intrusion of teeth was noted in the patients exhibiting reduced periodontal support regardless of the type of connector or when a rigid connector was used for either group. The number of intruded teeth was significantly greater in patients with intact periodontal support (P=.03). CONCLUSIONS: Complete-arch fixed prosthesis supported by implant and tooth abutments may be associated with intrusion of teeth with intact periodontal support when nonrigid connectors are used to join the implant- and tooth-supported sections of the prostheses. However, fixed partial dentures supported by implants and teeth with reduced periodontal support were not associated with tooth intrusion, regardless of the type of connectors used.