Effect of crown-to-implant ratio and crown height space on marginal bone stress: a finite element analysis

Abstract

Crown-to-implant ratio and crown height space, associated with the use of short implants, have been related with marginal bone loss. However, it is unclear which of the two entities would play the most important role on the bone remodelling process. Using a finite element analysis, the present work aims to help clarifying how those two factors contribute for the stress generation at the marginal bone level. A numerical model (reference model), with a crown-to-implant ratio of 4, was double validated and submitted to a numerical calculation. Then, it was modified in two different ways: (a) by decreasing the prosthetic height obtaining crown-to-implant ratios of 3, 2.5 and 2 and (b) by increasing the implants length obtaining a crown-to-implant ratio of 2.08. The new models were also submitted to numerical calculations.