Finite element analysis on influence of implant surface treatments, connection and bone types

• The Morse taper design is more favorable than an external hexagon.
• External hexagon with platform switching is more favorable than an external hexagon.
• Surface treatment increased the area of stress/strain concentration.
• Oblique loading was more harmful to the stress distribution than axial loading.

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of different dental implant designs, bone type, loading, and surface treatment on the stress distribution around the implant by using the 3D finite-element method. Twelve 3D models were developed with Invesalius 3.0, Rhinoceros 4.0, and Solidworks 2010 software. The analysis was processed using the FEMAP 10.2 and NeiNastran 10.0 software. The applied oblique forces were 200 N and 100 N. The results were analyzed using maps of maximum principal stress and bone microstrain. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's test. The results showed that the Morse taper design was most efficient in terms of its distribution of stresses (p < 0.05); the external hexagon with platform switching did not show a significant difference from an external hexagon with a standard platform (p > 0.05). The different bone types did not show a significant difference in the stress/strain distribution (p > 0.05). The surface treatment increased areas of stress concentration under axial loading (p < 0.05) and increased areas of microstrain under axial and oblique loading (p < 0.05) on the cortical bone. The Morse taper design behaved better biomechanically in relation to the bone tissue. The treated surface increased areas of stress and strain on the cortical bone tissue.