Finite element analysis of six endosseous implants.

Stress magnitudes and contours in bone surrounding six endosteal post-type dental implants were calculated by using the finite element method. Comparisons were made by using Branemark, Core-Vent, Denar, Miter, Stryker, and experimental implant designs. Although certain assumptions were made that could be considered controversial, this study concluded that apical "punching stresses" with all of the implants were probably not clinically significant. Saucerization resulting from biomechanical overloads could be a possibility for three of the implants. Problems related to combinations of overloads and underloads at the same time were suggested for several more popular implants in the United States. Additional research, combining 3-D finite element models and clinical studies, was recommended for all commercially available dental implants.