Finite element stress analysis of a rigid system for immediate loading in edentulous mandible

Abstract

This study evaluated, through the finite element analysis, the stress on the cortical bone around dental implants supporting mandibular complete fixed denture with a rigid interconnecting bar as a splinting system (Neopronto® System - Neodent®), after axial and oblique occlusal loading simulation, applied in the last cantilever element. The results showed that rigid implant splinting generated tolerable maximum stresses in the cortical bone. It was concluded that axial loading produced lower cortical bone stress than oblique loading. However, for both loading conditions, the stress created in the cortical bone would not jeopardize its integrity, once the maximum stress was lower than that one stated in the literature (167 MPa).