Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the combined influence of alveolar bone density, abutment material and occlusal forces on stress distribution around maxillary anterior implants in order to reduce the marginal bone loss and facial marginal recession for an optimal esthetic outcome.
Materials and Methods: A 3D Finite Element Model of a maxillary anterior single implant was generated from the CT image of the patient. Nine comparative groups were formed in D2 and D3 bone respectively. Three different abutment materials titanium, zirconia and PEEK (Poly-Ether-Ether Ketone) were used. External loads of 100N, 175N and 250N were applied in the vertical and oblique direction and the stress values were obtained from the labial aspect of the crestal bone.
Results: The highest Von Mises stress values were seen in the D3 bone when compared to the D2 bone. On vertical and oblique load of 100N, 175N and 250 N there was generalized higher stress values when PEEK was used as an abutment material. In all the groups, the stress values were greater on application of oblique load compared to vertical load and the stress increased for every increase of 75N.
Conclusion: The result of our study suggests that titanium and zirconia distribute the stresses in a more homogenous manner compared to the PEEK abutment.