Mechanical simulation of the human mandible with and without an endosseous implant.

Clinical research has demonstrated that a high remodelling rate for cortical bone exists around a rigid endosseous implant. This phenomenon may be regulated by change in the mechanical environment. 3D finite element models of the human mandible with and without an endosseous implant have been created to investigate the mechanical environment adjacent to the left retromolar area where the ipsilateral implant was located. A bite force of 100 N was applied in the left premolar region. The mechanical environment before and after implantation were computed. The environment was characterized by the following parameters: the principal stresses, dilatational stress, and von Mises stress. The changes in these parameters due to the implantation were calculated. The results showed that the mechanical environment adjacent to the implant changed drastically due to the implant. The major changes in the mechanical parameters occurred adjacent to the bone-implant interface at the bony surface. The changes of the distribution of the mechanical parameters due to implantation were different. Implantation effects were local, and did not alter the overall mechanical environment.