Numerical analysis of a dental implant system preloaded with a washer.
Gold screw loosening is a problem that frequently affects dental implants. The application of a preload has been the main means of preventing loosening. However, this measure has not been able to eliminate its occurrence. In this study the effect of a washer in a Brånemark-type implant on the loosening conditions of the retaining screw was investigated using a finite element simulation. The simulation indicated that a washer may significantly increase the tolerance of a screw against loosening. This is accomplished by increasing the tolerance of the implant against deformation. The addition of a customized washer to a dental implant system may offer a very simple and inexpensive solution for the persistent problem of screw loosening.
Versluis
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Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics, Minneapolis 55455, USA. antheun@oranje.dent.umn.edu
Korioth
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Cardoso
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D000044:Dental Abutments; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015921:Dental Implants; D003772:Dental Pins; D017268:Dental Prosthesis Retention / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D009716:Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted
D015921:Dental Implants