Stress Distribution in a Mandibular Kennedy class I Restored with Bilateral Implant-Assisted Removable Partial Denture: A Finite Element Analysis

Objectives: This study evaluated the dental and alveolar bone stress distribution of a mandibular Kennedy Class I restored with a conventional removable partial denture (CRPD) compared with bilateral implant-assisted removable partial denture (IARPD) through the application of finite element analysis (FEA). Methods: Kennedy Class I plaster models were made, including teeth from lower left first premolar and lower right canine. The models were scanned, resin-based replicated and digitized. Using Solidworks software, internal hexagonal implants (10 mm x 4 mm) were virtually placed at the level of the first molars. Each model was grouped into a unit and a load of 200 N was applied, simulating masticatory forces. Von Mises stress distributions were calculated by FEA for the vertical, diagonal and combined forces. Results: In IARPD, the stress generated in the alveolar bone by the vertical (4.2 Mpa), diagonal (12.2 MPa) and combined forces (12.3 MPa) was lower than CRPD (7 MPa, 26.3 MPa and 32 MPa, respectively). Similarly, at the lower central incisor level, the IARPD generated less stress than the CRPD due to the action of the vertical, diagonal and combined forces. Conclusions:Our preliminary data suggest that bilateral implant placement may result in less stress on bone and teeth during the rehabilitation with an IARPD Kennedy Class I, with different orientations of the forces applied.