Load transfer characteristics in the posterior region of the mandible of implant supported, splinted and non-splinted restorations

Author(s)

Rodrigo Tiossi

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Ribeirão Preto.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC)
• Defense date: 2010-12-21

Examining board members

Ricardo Faria Ribeiro; Renata Cristina Silveira Rodrigues Ferracioli; Francisco de Assis Mollo Junior; Mauro Antonio de Arruda Nóbilo; Jose Henrique Rubo

• Advisor: Ricardo Faria Ribeiro

Abstract

A photoelastic stress analysis and a digital image correlation (DIC) method were used to analyze the biomechanical behavior of implant supported prosthesis. This study compared the biomechanical behavior of screwed, splinted and non-splinted, implant supported fixed partial dentures, simulating the rehabilitation of a mandibular posterior region, with and without the presence of a second molar proximal contact. Since complete passivity is difficult to achieve when splinted restorations supported by multiple implants are used, some authors suggest individually restoring adjacent implants to allow for a passive fit in the resulting restorations, thus reducing the strains transferred to the implants. Photoelasticity is an experimental technique for stress analysis and has been constantly used due its simplicity, reliable results and correlation with clinical findings. The digital image correlation method is capable of providing a full-field surface strain measurement, allowing for an accurate analysis. The ideal restoration of a partially edentulous space remains controversial as to the best prosthetic design for a partial rehabilitation with multiple implants in order to minimize the strains transferred to the bone-implant interface. The influence of the veneering materials was also compared (porcelain and resin). An epoxy resin model was made with acrylic resin replicas of a mandibular first premolar and second molar and with threaded implants (Titamax GT - 4.0 x 11.0 mm - Neodent) replacing the second premolar and first molar. Another model was made without the presence of the second molar. Groups were: UC - porcelain-veneered splinted crowns; IC - porcelain-veneered non-splinted crowns; UR - resin-veneered splinted crowns; IR - resin-veneered non-splinted crowns. Strains transferred to the photoelastic model were analyzed after tightening the prosthetic screws. Qualitative and quantitative photoelastic stress analysis was performed after the application of a vertical load (50 N) on the occlusal surface of the crown replacing the first molar. The image correlation analysis was also performed qualitatively and quantitatively, with the load applied in the same position as for the photoelastic analysis, although with greater intensity (250 N). Strains in the horizontal direction (εxx) and shear strains (εxy) were analyzed and compared with the DIC method. Both methods for strain analysis used in this study performed satisfactory and are adequate for the comparisons proposed in this work. According to the results found, it can be concluded that splinting multiple adjacent implant supported crowns provided a better strain distribution around the implants and the supporting structures, especially when the distal proximal contact was absent. The total strains in the model were not influenced by the presence of a distal proximal contact, but the presence of the second molar optimized the strain distribution between the structures. The crowns veneering material was not significant for the strains transferred to the photoelastic model and for compressive strains (εxx). Shear strains (εxy) were influenced by the presence of the second molar, and when it was absent, the use of a veneering material with low elasticity modulus (resin) significantly reduced these tensions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/06995-3 - Photoelastic analysis of tension caused by multiple and single implant-supported crowns on posterior mandible areas.
• Grantee: Rodrigo Tiossi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate