Consequences of Peri-Implant Bone Loss in the Occlusal Load Transfer to the Supporting Bone in terms of Magnitude of Stress, Strain, and Stress Distribution: A Finite Element Analysis

Background and Objective. Marginal bone loss around dental implants is one of the most prevalent complication, and its biomechanical impact may be critical for treatment prognosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of marginal bone loss around dental implants in the occlusal load transfer to the bone in terms of magnitude of stress and strain and distribution of such transferred stress. Methods. Three models of a single internal connection bone level-type implant inserted into a posterior mandible bone section were constructed using a 3D finite element software: one control model without marginal bone loss and two test models, both with a circumferential peri-implant bone defect, one with a 3 mm high defect and the other one 6 mm high. A 150 N static load was tested on the central fossa at 6 degrees relative to the axial axis of the implant. Results. The results showed differences in the magnitude of strain and stress transferred to the bone between models, being the higher strain found in the trabecular bone around the implant with greater marginal bone loss. Stress distribution differed between models, being concentrated at the cortical bone in the control model and at the trabecular bone in the test models. Conclusion. Marginal bone loss around dental implants under occlusal loading influences the magnitude and distribution of the stress transferred and the deformation of peri-implant bone, being higher as the bone loss increases.