ABSTRACT
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Over the past two decades, implant supported fixed prosthesis have been widely used. However, there are few studies conducted systematically and intensively on the splinting effect of implant systems in mandible. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in stress distributions in the mandibular implants with splinting or nonsplinting crowns by performing finite element analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cortical and cancellous bone were modeled as homogeneous, transversely isotropic, linearly elastic. Perfect bonding was assumed at all interfaces. Implant models were classified as follows. Group 1: Branemark length 8.5mm 13mm splinting type Group 2: Branemark length 8.5mm 13mm Nonsplinting type Group 3: ITI length 8.5mm 13mm splinting type Group 4: ITI length 8.5mm 13mm Non-splinting type An load of 100N was applied vertically and horizontally. Stress levels were calculated using von Mises stresses values. RESULTS: 1. The stress distribution and maximum von Mises stress of two-length implants (8.5mm, 13mm) was similar. 2. The stress of vertical load concentrated on mesial side of implant while the stress of horizontal load was distributed on both side of implant. 3. Stress of internal connection type was spreading through abutment screw but the stress of external connection type was concentrated on cortical bone level. 4. Degree of stress reduction was higher in the external connection type than in the internal connection type.