Finite element analyses of two antirotational designs of implant fixtures.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of cyclic compressive forces on loosening of the abutment retaining screw of dental implant fixtures with two different antirotational designs using the finite element analysis. A three-dimensional model of externally hexed and trichannel dental implant fixtures with their corresponding abutments and retaining screws was developed. Comparison between the two designs was carried out using finite element analysis. The results revealed that the externally hexed design has significantly higher overall stress, contact stress, and deflection compared with the trichannel design. The trichannel antirotational design has the least potential for fracture of the implant/abutment assembly in addition to its capability for preventing rotation of the prosthesis and loosening of the screw.