Finite element analysis of the stresses around fixtures in various reconstructed mandibular models--part II (effect of horizontal load).
AIM OF EXPERIMENT: Having already studied the effect of vertical load (Nagasao et al., 2002), the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of horizontal load on implants embedded into a virtually reconstructed mandible.


METHODS
Three-dimensional virtual models of various reconstructed mandibles were designed on a PC and 50 N horizontal loads were applied on the cantilever portion of the upper structure. Then, using a finite element analysis, stresses occurring around the implants were calculated, and the directions of the forces that cause the maximum von Mises stresses were evaluated. Finally, the results were compared with those from vertical loading.


RESULTS
In all models, the maximum stresses occurred around the implants embedded on the premolar region of the loaded side. In addition, the locations at which the maximum von Mises stresses occurred were greatly influenced by the structural character of the loaded side.


CONCLUSIONS
When horizontal loads were applied to reconstructed mandibles, the location and direction of the maximum stresses around the dental implants appeared to be influenced much more by the structural characters of the reconstructed mandibles when compared with vertical loads.
Nagasao
T
T
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keio University Hospital, Shinjyuku-ku Shinanomachi 35, Tokyo, Japan. nagasao@sc.itc.keio.ac.jp
Kobayashi
M
M
Tsuchiya
Y
Y
Kaneko
T
T
Nakajima
T
T
D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D019245:Compressive Strength; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D015921:Dental Implants; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D004548:Elasticity; D005360:Fibula / Q000637:transplantation; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008954:Models, Biological; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
D015921:Dental Implants