Biomechanical Role of Peri-Implant Cancellous Bone Architecture

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical role of trabecular bone around dental implants in the mandible. Materials and Methods: The model in this study was made using micro-computed tomography data taken from a cadaver in whom endosseous implants had been in place for 15 years prior to death. Morphologic analysis and three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis were performed to calculate the peri-implant loading path of the model in which the trabecular structure was accurately simulated. Results: As seen through multiscale analysis using the homogenization method, the trabecular bone architecture around implants was isotropic for the most part. Also, 3D finite element analysis showed that compressive stresses oblique to the implant axis were transmitted to the lower constrained surface; tensile stresses oblique to the implant axis were transmitted to the upper constrained surface, and they intersected each other with vertical loading. The highest stress in cancellous bone was observed on perpendicular loading, and stress produced in trabeculae decreased approaching horizontal loading. Conclusion: Cancellous bone architecture around the implant was generally isotropic. 3D finite element analysis showed that cancellous bone trabeculae around implants dispersed stress by forming load transfer paths. The results suggest that trabecular bone plays a major role in supporting functional pressure exerted via the implant.