title: Effects of occlusal inclination and loading on mandibular bone remodeling: a finite element study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide a preliminary understanding of the biomechanics with respect to the effect of cusp inclination and occlusal loading on the mandibular bone remodeling.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three different cusp inclinations (0, 10, and 30 degrees) of a ceramic crown and different occlusal loading locations (central fossa and 1- and 2-mm offsets horizontally) were taken into account to explore the stresses and strains transferred from the crown to the surrounding dental bone through the implant. A strain energy density obtained from two-dimensional plane-strain finite element analysis was used as the mechanical stimulus to drive cancellous and cortical bone remodeling in a buccolingual mandibular section.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Different ceramic cusp inclinations had a significant effect on bone remodeling responses in terms of the change in the average peri-implant bone density and overall stability. The remodeling rate was relatively high in the first few months of loading and gradually decreased until reaching its equilibrium. A larger cusp inclination and horizontal offset (eg, 30 degrees and 2-mm offset) led to a higher bone remodeling rate and greater interfacial stress.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The dental implant superstructure design (in terms of cusp inclination and loading location) determines the load transmission pattern and thus largely affects bone remodeling activities. Although the design with a lower cusp inclination recommended in previous studies may reduce damage and fracture failure, it could, to a certain extent, compromise bone engagement and long-term stability.
authors.affiliation: The University of Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Chaiy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rungsiyakull
authors.forename: Pimdeun
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rungsiyakull
authors.forename: Qing
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Swain
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000502:physiology; D001732:Bite Force; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000502:physiology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003442:Crowns; D015921:Dental Implants; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008334:Mandible; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants