Research Synopsis

Effect of Axial and Oblique Loading on the Micromovement of Dental Implants

Chad Edwards and

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to test and quantify the displacement of implants placed in both soft and dense bone samples when axial and oblique forces were applied.

This research synopsis examines: The Effect of Axial and Oblique Loading on the Micromovement of Dental Implants. Goellner M, Schmitt J, Karl M, Wichmann M, Holst S. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants. 2011; March-April. 26(2); 257-64.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using an in vitro experimental system, 192 implants were placed into artificial bone block sections using a drill guide to produce continuity and consistency. 96 implants were placed in soft cancellous bone and 96 implants were placed in dense artificial bone. Both groups were loaded in 10 NcM increments up to 80 NcM in both axial and obliqued directions.

Three-dimensional displacement data was recorded for all implants using a non-contact optical image correlation technique and the displacement vectors were calculated. Significant differences were found in the absolute displacement in the different bone densities over all load increments. It was found that the implants placed in the soft cancellous bone had significantly higher displacement overall. Oblique loading forces showed increased displacement when compared to axial loading forces in the implants placed in the softer cancellous bone samples. However, axial and oblique loading showed no significant differences over all load increments for the implants placed in the dense bone specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone density influenced implant displacement much more in the softer bone samples. The load angulations (axial vs oblique) significantly influenced implant displacements much more dramatically in the soft bone samples, thus creating more detrimental results overall than those seen in the dense artificial bone samples..

“Research Synopsis” is an ongoing column reviewing past and current research studies in the field of implant dentistry. The commentary is strictly a limited overview of the studies presented and in no way affirms or rejects the information found within the studies. Implant Evolution and it’s contributing editors encourage all readers to conduct their own investigations and construct their own conclusions after reading each study in its entirety.