The influence of the connection, length and diameter of an implant on bone biomechanics

Background. Regardless of the multiple options of connections, diameters and heights for dental implants, the clinician should know the biomechanical behavior of the bone to plan the treatment according to the biological and anatomical conditions of each patient, without risk to the long-term treatment success. Review. The following review attempts to summarize the relevant literature to establish guidelines for clinicians based on the scientific evidence regarding the influence by the implant’s connection, diameter and length on the bone biomechanics. Conclusions. The length, diameter and connection of each implant have a degree of influence in bone biomechanics. Despite the influence of different implant connections, diameters and lengths on peri-implant bone stress and strain, these characteristics should remain within the physiological limits to avoid a pathological overload, bone resorption and consequent risk to the long-term success of implant-prosthetic treatment.