title: Narrow-diameter implants as terminal support for occlusal three-unit FPDs: a biomechanical analysis.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine force transmissions of narrow-diameter ITI implants when used as a terminal support for freestanding three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPD). Photoelastic and strain-gauged models of two 4.1-mm-diameter solid-screw implants; a 3.3-mm reduced-diameter implant and a 4.1-mm-diameter solid-screw implant; and a 3.3-mm-diameter narrow-neck implant and a 4.1-mm-diameter solid-screw implant supporting fixed prostheses were fabricated. A static force of 100 N was applied on both implants and on the pontic of the prostheses in separate load cases, and the generation of isochromatic fringes was observed and photographed in the field of a circular polariscope. The strain-gauge signals were digitized by a data-acquisition system and displayed in a computer by corresponding software at a sample rate of 10,000 Hz, and the principal strains were calculated. The use of narrow-neck and reduced-diameter implants resulted in an overall increase in stress and strain magnitudes around supporting implants in comparison with support from two standard solid-screw implants. Narrow-diameter ITI implants may be used to support FPDs for patients with low bite forces. In other clinical situations involving narrow-diameter implants, increasing the implant support is crucial to improve the biomechanical outcome of the treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. mcehreli@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Murat C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Cehreli
authors.forename: Kivanç
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Akça
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001732:Bite Force; D000044:Dental Abutments; D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008027:Light; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014159:Transducers; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants