title: Non-linear 3D finite element analysis of full-arch implant-supported fixed dentures.
abstract: Despite the necessity for faster clinical protocols for immediate loading of implant-supported dentures, there is a lack of biomechanical studies to confirm the rigid splinting effectiveness. We compared the stress in mandibular full-arch implant-supported fixed dentures under immediate loading through three-dimensional finite element analysis. Edentulous human mandible models were restored with a 4-implant fixed denture. Implants were splinted with a metallic framework and submitted to conventional loading (group A-control), with acrylic resin and submitted to immediate loading (group B), with a metallic framework and submitted to immediate loading (group C), and with acrylic resin and a prefabricated distal bar and submitted to immediate loading (group D). Models were supported by masticatory muscles. A 100-N oblique load was applied on the first molar. Group A presented the lowest stress and implant displacement values, whereas group D showed the highest values. In bone, groups under immediate loading exhibited the highest stress, whereas the group experiencing conventional loading showed an approximately 50% reduction. All groups submitted to immediate loading presented similar stress values in peri-implant bone. The loading protocol influenced the stress and implant displacement, but the design of the fixed denture did not affect the stress in the peri-implant bone. Rigid splinting of implants submitted to immediate loading is not essential for treatment success.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Araçatuba Dental School, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), José Bonifácio 1193, Araçatuba, São Paulo 16015-050, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mayara B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, Univ of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av Limeira, 901, Piracicaba, Sao Paulo 13414-903, Brazil. Electronic address: barao@fop.unicamp.br.
authors.forename: Valentim A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Barão
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Araraquara Dental School, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Humaitá, 1680, Araraquara, Sao Paulo 14801-903, Brazil.
authors.forename: Juliana A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Delben
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and General Clinic, Aracatuba Dental School, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), José Bonifácio 1193, Araçatuba, São Paulo 16015-050, Brazil.
authors.forename: Leonardo P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Faverani
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Araçatuba Dental School, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), José Bonifácio 1193, Araçatuba, São Paulo 16015-050, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Carolina
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Hipólito
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Araçatuba Dental School, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), José Bonifácio 1193, Araçatuba, São Paulo 16015-050, Brazil.
authors.forename: Wirley G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Assunção
mesh_terms: D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
keywords: Biomechanics; Computed tomography; Dental implant; Immediate loading