Angled abutments result in increased or decreased stress on surrounding bone of single-unit dental implants: a finite element analysis.

The influence of angled abutments on stress is a matter of debate. It is widely accepted that increased stress on implants and bone has been associated with the use of angled abutments. However, comparisons of clinical success rates of implants restored with angled and straight abutments indicate no significant differences. The aim of the present study was to determine whether angled abutments could result in decreased stress on surrounding bone of single-unit dental implants. By means of finite element analysis (FEA), four simplified models were designed to simulate clinical scenarios in which that implants were placed in an ideal axial position or at an angled position. Each implant was paired with a straight or angled abutment. A simulated occlusal load of 100 N was applied along the vertical axis of the jawbone. The von Mises stress and strain were recorded for each model. The numerical results showed that angled abutments resulted in decreased stresses when implants were not placed in ideal axial position. The present study identified by means of FEA that angled abutments could result in decreased stress on the supporting bone of implant system and may provide some clues to resolve the debate regarding the influence of angled abutments.