Stress Distribution in Mandible Regulated by Bone and Dental Implant Parameters: Part I – Methodology

Abstract

The complicated inter-relationships between mandibular bone components and dental implants have attracted the attention of many a structural mechanics researcher as well as many a dental practitioner. This paper describes the methodology and analysis techniques employed to enable accurate evaluation of a vast range of the implant and bone parameters. The complex material and geometric properties of the bone and implant are modelled using two-dimensional (2D) triangular and quadrilateral plane strain elements. Assumptions made in the analysis include: (a) 50% osseointegration between bone and implant; (b) linear relationships exist between the stress value and the Young s moduli of the cancellous and cortical bone at any specific point. In the companion paper (Part II) various bone, implant and loading parameters are evaluated for their influence on the stress distribution within the bone, in particular in the mandible.