ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The change of the marginal bone around dental implants have significance not only for the functional maintenance but also for the esthetic success of the implant. The purpose of this study was to investigate the load transfer of internal conical joint type implant according to marginal bone resorption by using the three-dimensional finite element analysis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The internal conical joint type system was selected as an experimental model. Finite element models of bone/implant/prosthesis complex were constructed. A load of 300 N was applied vertically beside 3 mm of implant axis. RESULTS: The pattern of stress distribution according to marginal bone resorption was similar. The maximum equivalent stress of implant was increase according to marginal bone resorption and the largest maximum equivalent stress was shown at model of 1 mm marginal bone resorption. Although marginal bone loss more than 1mm was occurred increasing of stress, the width of the stress increase was decreasing. CONCLUSION: According to these results, the exposure of thin neck portion of internal conical joint type implant is most important factor in stress increasing.