Abstract:

Objective To compare the differences in stress on maxillary anterior implants and labial cortical bone under varying thicknesses of palatal bone plates through three-dimensional finite element analysis. Methods Using CBCT scan data and finite element software, a three-dimensional finite element model of maxillary central incisor implant restoration was constructed. The thickness of the palatal bone plate at the cervical region of the implant was set to 0, 0.5, 1.0 mm, respectively. The effects of different palatal bone plate thicknesses on the equivalent stress of the implant and the minimum principal stress (compressive stress) of the labial cortical bone under normal occlusal conditions were simulated. Results Under normal occlusion, when the palatal cervical bone plate thickness was 0, 0.5, 1.0 mm, the maximum equivalent stress of the implant was consistently located at the midline of the labial cervical region at the implant-abutment interface, with values of 106.8, 103.5, 99.71 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, the minimum principal stress of the cortical bone appeared at the alveolar crest at the junction of the implant-abutment and labial alveolar bone, measuring 107.8, 103.2, 95.55 MPa, respectively. The results indicated that as the palatal cervical bone plate thickness decreased, both the maximum equivalent stress of the implant and the minimum principal stress of the labial cortical bone exhibited an increasing trend, though they remained below their respective yield strengths. Conclusion From a biomechanical perspective, maxillary anterior implant restoration remains feasible even when the thickness of the palatal bone plate at the cervical region of the implant is 0 mm.

Key words: implant restoration, maxillary anterior teeth, palatal bone plate, three-dimensional finite element analysis