Evaluate the effect of bone density variation on stress distribution at the bone–implant interface using numerical analysis

The current study aims to comprehend how different bone densities affect stress distribution at the bone–implant interface. This will help understand the behaviour and help predict success rates of the implant planted in different bone densities. The process of implantation involves the removal of bone from a small portion of the jawbone to replace either a lost tooth or an infected one and an implant is inserted in the cavity made as a result. Now the extent of fixation due to osseointegration is largely dependent on the condition of the bone in terms of the density. Generally, the density of the bone is classified into four categories namely D1, D2, D3, and D4; with D1 being purely cortical and D4 having higher percentage of cancellous bordered by cortical bone. A bone model with a form closely resembling the actual bone was made using 3D CAD software and was meshed using Hyper Mesh. The model was subjected to an oblique load of 120 N at 70° to the vertical to replicate occlusal loading. A finite element static analysis was done using Abaqus software. The stress distribution contours at the bone-implant contact zone were studied closely to understand the changes as a result of the varying density. It was revealed that as the quantity of the cancellous bone increased from D1 to D4 the cortical peak stress levels dropped. The bone density and the corresponding change in the material characteristics was also responsible for the variation in the peak stress and displacement values.