A photoelastic stress analysis of fixed partial dentures with bicon implants on mandibular posterior area

Kang, Jong Un; Kim, Nan Young; Kim, Yu Lee; Cho, Hye Won

Abstract

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Several prosthetic options are available for the restoration of multiple adjacent implants. A passively fitting prosthesis has been considered a prerequisite for the success and maintenance of osseointegration. Passivity is a particular concern with multiple implants because of documented inaccuracies in the casting and soldering process. One way to avoid this problem is to restore the implants individually, however, the restorations of individual adjacent impants requires careful adjustment of interproximal contacts. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the stress distribution pattern and amount surrounding Bicon implants with individual crowns and splinted restorations. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A photoelastic model of a human partially edentulous left mandible with 3 Bicon implants(4*1 mm) was fabricated. For non-splinted restorations, individual crowns were fabricated on 3 abutments (4.0*6.5 mm, 0 degree, 2.0 mm post, Bicon Inc., Boston, USA) After the units were cemented, 4 levels of interproximal contact tightness were evaluated: open, ideal (8 micrometershim stock drags without tearing), medium(40 micrometer), and heavy(80 micrometer). Splinted 3-unit fixed partial dentures were fabricated and cemented to the model. Changes in stress distribution under simulated non-loaded and loaded conditions(7.5, 15, 30 lb) were analyzed with a circular polaricope. RESULTS: 1. Stresses were distributed around the entire body of fin in Bicon implants. 2. Splinted restorations were useful for distribution of stress around implants especially with higher loads. 3. By increasing the contact tightness between the individually restored three implants, the stress increased in the coronal portion of implants. CONCLUSIONS: Ideal adjustment of the contact tightness was important to reduce the stresses around individually restored Bicon implants.