Abstract:

This study investigated the impact of dental implant shape (conical vs. cylindrical) and pilot-hole geometry (conical vs. cylindrical) on primary stability. Finite element analysis was employed to simulate the insertion process and push-in test. Three implantation scenarios were examined: a cylindrical implant in a cylindrical pilot-hole (cy-cy model), a conical implant in a cylindrical pilot-hole (co-cy model), and a conical implant in a conical pilot-hole (co-co model). These configurations were evaluated based on the maximum insertion torque, insertion energy, stiffness, and holding power of the implant-bone construct. Given peri-implant damage during the insertion process and push-in test, elastic-plastic-damage properties were used to model bone material behavior. Results showed that despite lower implant-bone engagement in the co-cy scenario, its maximum insertion torque was 81% higher than the cy-cy model. However, the stiffness and the holding power were 31% and 44% lower, respectively. Additionally, the co-co scenario demonstrated a significant increase in maximum insertion torque compared to other models while maintaining stiffness and holding power comparable to the cy-cy configuration, making it the most favorable model. This study also highlighted the importance of insertion energy as a potential indicator of implant-bone construct engagement, suggesting its consideration alongside other traditional stability factors. Further research, including in-vitro experiments, is necessary to refine pilot-hole geometry based on implant body design, ultimately enhancing primary stability and improving clinical outcomes in dental implantation.