Selection of the implant thread pitch for optimal biomechanical properties: A three-dimensional finite element analysis

In this paper, effects of the implant thread pitch on the maximum Von Mises stresses were evaluated in jaw bones and implant–abutment complex by a finite element method. The thread pitch ranged from 0.5 mm to 1.6 mm. Results suggested that under axial load, the maximum equivalent stresses in cortical bone, cancellous bone and implant–abutment complex decreased by 6.7%, 55.2% and 22.3%, respectively with the variation of thread pitch; and under buccolingual load, 2.7%, 22.4% and 13.0%, respectively. When thread pitch exceeded 0.8 mm, minimum stresses were obtained. Data indicated that cancellous bone was more sensitive to thread pitch than cortical bone did; thread pitch played a great role in protecting dental implant under axial load than under buccolingual load; and thread pitch exceeding 0.8 mm were optimal selection for a screwed implant by biomechanical consideration.