Background: When the jaw bone is subjected to an external force, the stress is transmitted from the force point along the alveolar bone to the skull and skull base. In the case of a dental implant, the stress distribution is mainly dependent on the implant position, type, and mechanical properties.
Objective: To investigate the dental implant position influence on the stress distribution and transmission in case of facial frontal trauma. Furthermore, the correlation between facial trauma and skull trauma in the case of a dental implant exists.
Methods: In this study, a Finite Element Method (FEM) model was constructed based on a real skull shape, size, and anatomy. Dental implants were modeled based on imported CAD Data. Five cases were investigated including no dental implant and the replacement of teeth no. 18, 19 20 and 21. Facial trauma was mimicked by applying an external load on the lower frontal jaw. Finally, the stress distribution based on the bone geometry and implant position were evaluated and compared.
Results: Results suggested that a dental implant could significantly influence the stress distribution in the skull in case of facial trauma. In addition, the dental position greatly affects stress transmission from the mandible to the skull bones through the zygomatic arch.
Conclusion: The position of the dental implant could have a significant role in stress transmission and distribution in case of facial or even brain trauma. Thus, increasing the possibility of a correlation between facial and brain trauma.
Keywords: Dental implant; facial trauma; finite element analysis; stress distribution; trauma complications.