APPLICATION OF POLYMETHYL-METHACRYLATE BLOCKS IN EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF EFFECT OF DENTAL IMPLANT GEOMETRY ON THE SURROUNDING STRUCTURE DURING AXIAL LOADING

Strain fields in the vicinity of the dental implant varies depending of several factors, among which is the implant geometry. This study investigates new experimental methodology for analysis of effect of implant geometry on the load transfer during axial loading of dental implant. Two dental implants, Strauman 4.8 x 14 mm and Strauman 4.0 x 12 mm, were placed in individual blocks of polymethyl methacrylate with dimensions of 68 x 25 x 9 mm. Samples were placed in the three point bending support. Axial load was applied on the implant, with maximum intensity of 600 N. 3D Digital Image Correlation method was used for strain measuring. Two FE models were developed according experimental models. Von Mises strains were presented and compared. Results show the greatest values of Von Mises strain values in the neck region of the implant, in the upper part of the block. Experimental results show Von Mises strain in the range of 0.4 – 0.8 %. Numerical models show Von Mises strains in the range of 0.4–0.6 %. Experimental and numerical models show tendency of deformation decrease in the apical region of the implant. Lower strain values in experimental and numerical analysis were observed for Strauman 4.8 x 14 mm. This coincides with reports in the literature where it is reported that implants with greater contact surface transfer lower strain values. This study shows that this methodology could be used in preliminary analysis in effect of dental implant geometry on the strains in their vicinity during axial loading.