Finite Element Simulation of Dental Implantation Process

Using the finite element procedure, the insertion process of a dental implant into a section of the mandible is analysed. Elevated stress concentrations in both cancellous and cortical bone are examined during implantation. An implant of length 11mm is inserted at 1mm increments into the mandible. The torque applied to the implant top ranges from 0 to 450Nmm for a total time period of 36 seconds. The complex geometrical and material properties of the implant and mandible are modelled using three dimensional (3D) brick elements. Nonlinear material properties are assigned for both cancellous and cortical bone. The assumptions made in the analysis include: (a) simulating and replicating the implantation process as a step-wise instead of a continuous process; (b) parallel threaded implant is used and the implant does not rotate during insertion into the mandible. The optimum insertion torque and the set time periods for each level of torque applied are found to be the controlling factors that would help produce ideal stresses within the jawbone throughout the entire implantation process.