Stress distribution pattern in all-on-four maxillary restorations supported by porous tantalum and solid titanium implants using three-dimensional finite element analysis.

Success/failure of dental implants depends on stress transfer and distribution at the bone-implant interface. This study aimed to assess the stress distribution pattern in all-on-four maxillary restorations supported by porous tantalum and solid titanium implants using three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA). In this FEA, a geometric model of an edentulous maxilla, Zimmer screw-vent tantalum and solid titanium implants were modelled. Four models with the all-on-four concept were designed. The fifth model had 6 vertical implants (all-on-six). Two different implant types (porous tantalum and solid titanium) were modelled to yield a total of 10 models, and subjected to 200 N bilateral vertical load. Pattern of stress distribution and maximum von Mises stress values in cancellous and cortical bones around implants were analysed. In tantalum models, the effect of increasing the distal tilting of posterior implants was comparable to the effect of increasing the number of implants to 6 on von Mises stress values in cortical bone. However, in cancellous bone, the effect of increasing the tilting of posterior implants on stress was slightly greater than the effect of increasing the number of implants to 6. In solid titanium models, the effect of both of the abovementioned parameters was comparable on stress in cancellous bone; but in cortical bone, the effect of increasing the implant number was slightly greater on stress reduction. Despite similar pattern of stress distribution in bone around implants, higher maximum von Mises stress values around tantalum implants indicate higher stress transfer capacity of this type of implant to the adjacent bone, compared with solid titanium implants.