Biomechanical Optimization of Implant Diameter and Length for Immediate Loading: A Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis

Purpose: A nonlinear finite element method was applied to examine the effects of implant diameter and length on the maximum von Mises stresses in the jaw, and to evaluate the maximum displacement of the implant-abutment complex in immediate-loading models. Materials and Methods: The implant diameter (D) ranged from 3.0 to 5.0 mm and implant length (L) ranged from 6.0 to 16.0 mm. Results: The results showed that the maximum von Mises stress in cortical bone was decreased by 65.8% under a buccolingual load with an increase in D. In cancellous bone, it was decreased by 71.5% under an axial load with an increase in L. The maximum displacement in the implant-abutment complex decreased by 64.8% under a buccolingual load with an increase in D. The implant was found to be more sensitive to L than to D under axial loads, while D played a more important role in enhancing its stability under buccolingual loads. Conclusion: When D exceeded 4.0 mm and L exceeded 11.0 mm, both minimum stress and displacement were obtained. Therefore, these dimensions were the optimal biomechanical selections for immediate-loading implants in type B/2 bone.