Objective: an efficient and simple methodology, based on virtual simulation and computer modelling, for the assessment and evaluation of dental implants design is proposed in this work. Materials and methods: the finite element method, a very common tool in engineering applications, is used for the evaluation the biomechanical performance of the biomedical devices. Von Mises stress is used as the main parameter to assess the suitability of the implant, when it is subjected to functional and biological loading. Also, this work reports the effects on the implant caused by geometrical variations such as length, diameter, thread, cortical bone thickness and abutment inclination. The useful-life of the implant was estimated by performing, in a virtual way, the fatigue tests required by the ISO:14801 standard. Results: for all the analyzed cases, maximum stress was obtained at the connecting screw under oblique loading. The estimated useful-life of the implant was around 5.000.000 cycles, which satisfies both ISO standard and functional requirements. Also, maximum stress was found in the compact-bone tissue surrounding the implant, which is in very good agreement with previous reports. Conclusion: a dental implant with optimal characteristics is proposed and validated using the discussed methodology.

Peer Reviewed