Articles

Dental implants, what should be known before starting an in vitro study

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Abstract

Dental implant–abutment systems are used as anchors to support single or multi-unit prosthesesfor partially or fully edentulous patients. In vitro experiments and finite element analyses can be used toinvestigate their mechanical performance. Accurate information is needed on the geometry, materialproperties and friction coefficients of different implant-abutment components, on real loading conditions,and elastic properties of human jawbone. Information can be retrieved from previously reported studies orexperiments. This paper provides a summary of a small but representative part hereof. Research hasshown that the elastic properties of human jawbone are direction dependent and that the Young’s modulus(E) also depends on the bone type. Other studies investigated the maximum bite forces and reported abroad range of results, from 200 to 2000 N. Static experiments are typically performed with axial or bendingloads to evaluate the performance of dental implant systems. Dynamic tests simulate chewing cycles andare used to evaluate the fatigue endurance. The supporting structure of the implant system should berepresentative for the bone structure. Finite element models are ideally suited to evaluate thebiomechanical behaviour of implant systems. Accurate representation of the supporting bone and itsinteraction with the implant is crucial.

How to Cite:

Verplancke, K., De Waele, W. & De Bruyn, H., (2011) “Dental implants, what should be known before starting an in vitro study”, International Journal of Sustainable Construction and Design 2(3), 360-369. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/scad.v2i3.20534