An evaluation of new designs in implant-abutment connections: a finite element method assessment.

PURPOSE: This research sought first to evaluate the differences in the finite element method (FEM) analysis of 4 different implant surfaces, including internal and external connections of the same manufacturer with additional modifications. METHODS: In this study, 4 dental implants from the same manufacturer were compared. A connection system was modified with a collar to improve its stability. A nonlinear dynamic analysis by FEM was used to calculate the transient response of the dental implant systems. RESULTS: The results of FEM analysis indicated that the implant-modified configuration is more efficient in loading support when compared with the others. CONCLUSION: In the present research, 4 different types of connections were evaluated: a modified internal hex connection with a collar (to increase stability), an internal hex connection, a standard connection without hex, and an external connection. These data demonstrated that the internal hex connection with the modification of the manufacturer's original is much more resistant to loosening and/or distortion than the traditional hex.