Stress Analysis in Anterior Single Unit Implant with Different Abutment Connection Designs: A Finite Element Study

Dental implants are widely used to replace lost natural teeth. Initial stability of the implant system is provided through an abutment connection which has been manufactured and marketed in various designs. The different designs may differently affect the longevity of the dental implant. This study aimed to compare the stress distribution of the implant components with four different abutment connection designs, namely hex, non-hex, penta-spline, and three-spline. Four three-dimensional finite element models of the maxillary left central incisor restored with a single-unit implant were constructed. Each model corresponds to the four designs of abutment connection. An angular load of 120 N was applied to the restored tooth and the two adjacent teeth, representing the occlusal force exerted on the anterior teeth. Von Mises stresses were measured at the abutment, fixture, and retaining screw. Results showed that the maximum stress concentration occurred at the abutment regardless of the abutment connection design. The abutment connection with three-spline generated the largest range of stress, while non-hex caused the smallest stress distribution.