title: Numerical analysis of a dental implant system preloaded with a washer.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics, Minneapolis 55455, USA. antheun@oranje.dent.umn.edu
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Versluis
authors.forename: T W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Korioth
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Cardoso
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants