Effect of different abutment materials of implant on stress distribution using three-dimensional finite element analysis

Objective The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of implant–abutment behavior and their effect on surrounding bones by evaluation of the effects of abutment material type on the stress distribution on the bone around single premolar implant-supported restorations. Materials and methods A three-dimensional finite element analysis method was used to evaluate the stress distribution in the bone surrounding implant. Threaded titanium dental implants were examined using three different abutment materials: zirconium, alumina, and titanium. Loading was applied vertically as compressive loading on five selected nodes on top of a metal crown coated with porcelain. Von Mises stress and equivalent deflection values in the cortical and cancellous bone were calculated, as well as in the crown, abutment, and implant. Results The results of the analysis showed that the abutment material did not affect stress distributions on spongy and cortical bones. However, it affected crown and implant stresses and deformation values. Conclusion More rigid abutment material may be preferable to ensure longer life of the implant system, where its effect can be neglected on bones.