A Finite Element Stress Analysis of a Concical Triangular Connection in Implants: A New Proposal

Abstract

Conical implant–abutment connections are popular for their stability; however, in other conditions, such as excessive force, implants and abutments can absorb all the stress. Some connections with three points of support can resist more than conical connections. In recent years, different studies has shown that the design of a connection affects its stability. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the stresses in finite elements (FEs) in a newly proposed conical triangular connection in implants with hexagonal and conical connections. A nonlinear 3D FE parametric model was developed using SOLIDWORKS 2017®. All the connections, i.e., external and internal hexagons, morse taper, conical connection, and the new conical triangular proposal were compared when axial forces of 150, 250, and 350 N were applied to the occlusal. The maximum stress was found in the external hexagon. The maximum stress was concentrated at the level of the neck of the abutment, implant, and bone, except for the morse taper; at the level of the crown and abutment, the lowest stress occurred in the new proposal. Conclusions: The new conical triangular (CT) connection and the conical connection (CC) generate similar stress in the implant, abutment, and crown. However, the CT connection improves the CC by reducing stress at the bone level, adding an advantage to having three retention points.