Investigation and finite element analysis of mechanical compressors as different system alternatives in dental implant (Ti6Al4V) and abutment installations

This study aims to develop alternative designs and materials for components such as implants and abutments used in dental implant treatment. Dental implants are artificial components used to replace missing teeth. The implant system consists of three main parts: implant, abutment, and kron (prosthesis). The implant is screwed into the jawbone and acts as the root of the tooth that forms the basis of the implant system. They are usually made of titanium alloy or zirconium due to their high biocompatibility and durability. The groove (tooth) on the existing implant geometries is thought to cause linear shear stress on the bone during and after its installation in the jawbone. In this sense, in the literature studies for implant geometries, various gear types such as v-gear, square gear, rectangular gear, inverted cone gear, double gear, and micro gear have been applied to improve the attachment of the implant to the jawbone. In addition, literature reviews have shown extensive studies on different gear types. In this study, the designed alternative implant system is defined as a liner implant based on a liner that expands in the jawbone socket in the diameter direction instead of the groove (tooth) on the implant. Finite element analysis (FEA) under axial and angular forces was aimed to be applied to the models of the designed lined implant and existing implant geometries. Finite element analysis (FEA) is a widely used method in engineering to numerically model and simulate the behavior of a structure or component. For this purpose, a 'copaSKY' branded dental implant measuring Ø5.2 mm x 4 mm was placed in the jawbone. In addition, Ø5.5 x 4.5 mm and Ø5.6 x 5 mm shelled implants were also placed in the jawbone. Axial and oblique forces ranging from 100N to 400N were applied to both models. Analysis values of the models, such as deformation and stress, were compared and interpreted. As a result, stress concentrations were observed in the gears of dental implants. On the other hand, in implant models with alternative liners, it was understood that stress concentrations were distributed axially and homogeneously in the shear direction instead of linearly due to the absence of gears. As an experimental application, metal prototypes of the lined implant and a sample of an implant used in current implant therapy (copaSKY) were placed on an inanimate bone fragment. Then, a pneumatic test setup was set up to compress the implants on the bone at a rate of one compression per second in the range of 2954-8833, and the amount of deformation on the bone was measured with a load cell. The measurement data were used as force values in ANSYS, and the measurement data were compared with the finite element test results. Another aim of this study was to reduce stress concentrations on the abutment for forces originating from different directions and forces during mastication. From a clinical point of view, the inadequacy and limited mounting surface or geometry of abutments used in current implant treatment applications have led to the search for different designs. In this context, the aim was to increase the mechanical strength of the implant-abutment connection and to ensure the long-term success of the implant system by providing a more homogeneous stress distribution. For this purpose, five different abutment designs were made. Axial forces were applied in the simulation environment to calculate and compare the deformation and stress load distribution of the models of these designs. As a method, three-dimensional models of the parts used in implant treatments and the components of the implant system were designed. Different abutment designs were created with these models. Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed by applying different axial loads to each implant system model in ANSYS software concerning the current material values used in implant treatments. Comparative analysis graphs were prepared and interpreted for the stress values obtained after the applied load. The findings show that abutment design and material selection significantly affect mechanical performance. Among the implant systems created with five different abutment models, in which the existing abutment geometry was also compared, it was found that especially viscoelastic and abutment designs with increased surface area contributed to the homogeneous and axial distribution of the load on the abutment. Considering the stress values and distributions, it was concluded that the designs evaluated in this study as an alternative to the existing abutment models contribute positively to the mechanical life of the abutment material. This study provides an alternative to treatment applications by offering a new perspective on existing applications. The findings of these studies provide significant contributions to the development of designs and materials used in modern dental implants and abutments. However, it is possible that these findings can be further improved with future studies. For example, the biomechanical properties of different materials used in implant and abutment systems can be evaluated by utilizing advances in biomaterials science. Furthermore, alternative materials such as biocompatible polymers have the potential to replace traditional metals such as titanium alloy and zirconium. In particular, research on polymers such as PEEK may improve the long-term success of implants. In addition, future clinical studies need to support the results obtained in laboratory conditions in this study. Long-term clinical observations on actual patients are vital to validate the real-world performance of new designs and materials. In addition, osseointegration, the process by which implants integrate with bone, can be studied in more detail. New surface coatings and microstructures can be developed to accelerate this process and increase success rates. Based on this thesis's findings, the broader use of computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) technologies in the future will allow for the personalization of implant and abutment designs. These personalized designs may increase the success rates of surgical procedures and shorten recovery times by enabling the production of implants customized to each patient's unique anatomical structure. Finally, simulation models developed using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms can minimize risks in implant placement and support surgeons' decision-making processes. In particular, personalized treatment plans applicable to different patient groups can be developed. Future research should focus on developing and testing such artificial intelligence applications in clinical settings, offering significant innovations in dental implantology. This study not only presents new designs as alternatives to existing implant systems but also suggests that future research can obtain more comprehensive results. The development of new materials, designs, and technologies will be key to improving the clinical success of dental implants. In the context of materials development, future work could also focus on optimizing composite materials that combine the properties of polymers and metals. Such hybrid materials can combine the strength and durability of metals with the flexibility and biocompatibility of polymers. The production of patient-specific implants with these materials using 3D printing technology could revolutionize dental treatments. By enabling precise customization and rapid prototyping, 3D printing can ensure high-quality results while reducing production times and costs. Furthermore, surface treatment technologies can be investigated to improve implants' osseointegration (integration of the implant into the bone) and antibacterial properties. Coatings such as hydroxyapatite or titanium dioxide can mimic the natural structure of bone, increasing the implant's integration with the surrounding tissue and shortening healing time. These developments are critical to improving patient outcomes in modern dental implantology.