The importance of properly distributing the occlusal load for the correct biomechanics of implant-supported fixed partial dentures: stress analysis in implants, prosthetic components and infrastructures

A importância da distribuição da carga oclusal de forma adequada para a correta biomecânica de prótese parcial fixa implantosuportada: análise das tensões em implantes, componentes protéticos e infraestruturas

ABSTRACT

Objective:  The present study analyzed the biomechanical behavior of the generated stress on the external surface of the rehabilitation elements (implants, components and infrastructures) according to different occlusion patterns on a fixed partial denture on osseointegrated implants.

Method:  The experimental groups varied according to the location of the occlusal load applied to the Fixed partial denture, with a total occlusal load of 750N in all groups, opting for greater loads on the occlusal table of the molar in relation to the premolar. This evaluation was performed by the finite element method with simulations by the AnsysWorkbench 16.0 Software program.

Results:  The results analyzed for implants and their components showed that the more posterior the occlusal loading, the greater the stress developed (group 4), always in the connection area between the prosthetic component and the implant, as this location can induce greater screw loosening. The results analyzed for the infrastructures showed that the most distributed occlusal loading possible (group 1) is the best situation for generating less stress. However, even in group 3 which obtained the highest stresses in the critical area of the prosthetic connection, the zirconia flexural strength values generated were not worrisome.

Conclusion:  It can be concluded that the occlusal adjustment of Fixed partial dentures are preponderant and decisive factors for correct biomechanics and preservation of the system in the long term in order to avoid possible damage and/or failures, and exert significant and notorious differences in the behavior of all structures studied herein.

Indexing terms Finite element analysis; Fixed partial denture; Occlusal adjustment