Evaluation of Effect of Stress and Strain on Two Different Implant Abutment Materials: A Comparative Finite Element Analysis Study

A BSTRACT Aim: This study aims to evaluate stress and strain on different abutment materials and their influence on the implant and surrounding supporting structures. Materials and Methods: Two models of implants measuring 11.5 mm × 3 mm and abutments made of titanium and zirconia measuring 4 mmL were designed using computer-aided designing. A block of bone simulating the mandible was also designed. The mandibular block simulated the premolar region measuring 25 mm high, 12 mm wide, and 10 mm thick was designed. A single mandibular premolar was designed measuring 7.5 mm buccolingually, 9 mm mesiodistally, and 8 mm cervicoocclusally. They were then placed over the designed abutment. A simulated 50 N vertical load for a total loading of 100 N was applied to the buccal and lingual cusp ridge of the buccal cusps of the implant prosthesis. Two runs were carried out in the designed numerical model using titanium and zirconia abutment materials, and a convergence check of the model was done. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was done using color gradients and mesh generation pattern. Results: Zirconia crown with titanium abutment experiences higher stress values than zirconia crown with zirconia abutment. Zirconia abutment and titanium abutment showed similar strain values on the implant, whereas high strain values are found in cortical bone and were also in the range required for physiologic bone maintenance. No strain patterns were seen in the spongy bone. Conclusion: With respect to the observation of the present study, the amount of stress and strain experienced in peri-implant bone and implant when using stiffer materials was reduced. Thus, this finite element analysis study supported the placement of zirconia abutments with zirconia crown in the anterior and posterior regions.