Influence of Length and Diameter of
Implants Associated With Distal Extension
Removable Partial Dentures
Fellippo Ramos Verri, DDS, MSc,* Eduardo Piza Pellizzer, DDS, PhD,† Eduardo Passos Rocha, DDS, PhD,†
and João Antônio Pereira, PhD‡
n spite of the technological devel-
I opment of current dentistry, teeth
continue to be lost. Of the prob-
lems resulting from these losses,
mainly those related to posterior man-
dibular losses, these have been the
reason for much research and will prob-
ably continue to be so during the next
few decades.1 Due to the dual nature of
support, dental and mucous, with differ-
ent resilience, this rehabilitation is
complex, as there is movement of the
base when it is rehabilitated with a
class I conventional removable partial
prosthesis. There are suggestions for
balancing the loads distributed among
the tooth and mucosa of the residual
ridge, such as making functional
molding, using a wide prosthetic base
within the physiological limits of each
patient, periodic re-basing of the pros-
thetic seat, indications of clasps or at-
tachments, splinting of distal supports,
among others.2–7 All these resources
seek a common objective: to distribute
the loads as axially as possible on the
supporting tooth, which, theoretically,
would distribute the loads originated
at occlusion to the supporting struc-
tures in the most physiological and
uniform manner.8
Implantology has made it possible
for osseointegrated implants to be
*Student, Doctorate Course at the Dentistry Faculty of
Araçatuba, UNESP, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.
†Assistant Professor Doctor of the Dental Materials and
Prosthesis Department at the Dentistry Faculty of Araçatuba-
UNESP, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.
‡Professor of the Mechanical Engineering Department of the
Ilha Solteira Engineering Faculty-UNESP, Ilha Solteira, São
Paulo, Brazil.
ISSN 1056-6163/07/01603-270
Implant Dentistry
Volume 16 • Number 3
Copyright © 2007 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
DOI: 10.1097/ID.0b013e31805007aa
270 EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE
Purpose: The aim of this study
was to evaluate the influence of the
length and diameter of the implant
incorporated under the saddle of a
distal-extension removable partial
denture, acting as support.
Materials and Methods: Six hemi-
mandibular models were made with the
presence of left inferior cuspid and first
bicuspid, with the following differences:
model A, without removable partial
denture; model B, removable partial
denture only; model C, removable
partial denture and implant of
3.75 ⫻ x mm; model D, removable
partial denture and implant of
3.75 ⫻ x3 mm; model E, removable
partial denture and implant of 5 ⫻ x
mm; and model F, removable partial
denture and implant of 5 ⫻ x3 mm.
These models were designed with the
aid of AutoCAD 2000 (Autodesk, Inc.,
San Rafael, CA) and processed for
finite element analysis by ANSYS 5.4
(Swanson Analysis Systems, Houston,
PA). The loads applied were 50 N
vertical on each cuspid point.
used in partially edentulous patients.
However, not all patients have suffi-
cient bone height in the posterior
region, either because of bone absorp-
tion resulting from tooth losses, or
even by anatomical limitations, like
the position of the inferior alveolar
nerve or inferior wall of the maxillary
sinus.9 –11 Furthermore, frequently, pa-
tients are disinclined to submit them-
selves to invasive surgeries prior to the
placement of the implants. These in-
OF THE LENGTH AND DIAMETER OF THE
Results: It was noted that the
presence of the removable partial den-
ture overloaded the supporting tooth
and other structures. The introduction
of the implant reduced tensions,
mainly at the extremities of the eden-
tulous edge. Both the length and diam-
eter tended to reduce tensions as their
dimensions increased.
Conclusions: Increasing the
length of the implant had a great in-
fluence on the decrease of displace-
ment and von Mises tension values.
Increasing the diameter of the implant
had a great influence on the decrease
of von Mises tension values, but did
not influence the displacement values.
According to the results of this study,
it is a good choice to use the greater
and larger implant possible in the as-
sociation between implant and distal
extension removable partial denture.
(Implant Dent 2007;16:270 –280)
Key Words: removable partial den-
ture, dental implant, biomechanics,
finite element analysis
clude bone-grafting procedures in the
region, sinus lift, or even nerve later-
alization of the inferior alveolar nerve,
which may also result in permanent
paresthesia of the inferior alveolar
nerve. Added to this there is still the
financial factor, as any intervention
of this kind increases the cost of the
proposed treatment. For these pa-
tients, another solution should be
proposed. One option would be the
association of the distal extension
OSSEOINTEGRATED IMPLANT
 Table 1. Configuration of the Models Made for the Study. All Models Representing a Hemi-Mandibular Section, With All
Structures Standardized
Model
A Presence of teeth 33 and 34, without RPD and without implant
B Presence of teeth 33 and 34, with RPD and without implant
C Presence of teeth 33 and 34, with RPD and with associated implant of 3.75 ⫻ 7.00 mm
D Presence of teeth 33 and 34, with RPD and with associated implant of 3.75 ⫻ 13.00 mm
E Presence of teeth 33 and 34, with RPD and with associated implant of 5.00 ⫻ 7.00 mm
F Presence of teeth 33 and 34, with RPD and with associated implant of 5.00 ⫻ 13.00 mm
RPD indicates removable partial denture.

removable partial denture with os-
seointegrated implants, which may
not only attenuate the problem of the
base movement but also reduce the
cost of the treatment.1,12,13
Variations of the implant geome-
try, more precisely the length and di-
ameter, have also been the subject of
research.14 –17 The overload on im-
plants acting only as partial support or
even as retention of removable partial
dentures would be less than that on
implants acting as the pillar of fixed
prostheses; shorter implants could be
efficient.13 Furthermore, in the litera-
ture, the benefits brought about by the
use of wide diameter implants is al-
ready evident, as opposed to the im-
plants of conventional diameter.15,18,19
This being so, the aim of this study
was to check the behavior of implants
of different sizes and diameters that
are to be used as support in association
with a mandibular distal extension re-
movable partial denture, as measured
by the bi-dimensional finite elements
analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The methodology used was based
on the study of Darbar et al20 and
modified by Rocha et al.1 For the
study, 6 mandibular models were
made, simulating a partially edentu-
lous hemi-arch, with the presence of
the left cuspid and first bicuspid only.
The characteristics of the remaining
teeth, support structures, and artificial
teeth in the models that have them
were standardized in all of the models.
The configuration of the models is il-
lustrated in Table 1.
To make the models, the assisted
drawing program AutoCAD 2000
(Autodesk, Inc., San Rafael, CA) was
used. This program is widely used in
the area of engineering and graphic
computation. It allows drawings with
dimensions very close to reality to be
made. The dimensions of the elements
individualized in the models, such as
implant, mucosa, teeth, alveolar bone,
removable partial denture metal frame-
work, among others, could thus be re-
produced in the most faithful manner
possible. The dimensions were all ex-
tracted from articles published in the
dental literature.1,21,22
The implant system used was the
Brånemark System (Nobel Biocare,
Göteborg, Sweden). In the models that
have an implant, a healing abutment
compatible with the implant diameter
was put in, with a height of 2 mm at all
times. The 3.75-mm diameter im-
plants were of the standard type, and
the 5.00-mm implants were of the
MKIII type. In all the situations tested,
the implants acted only as the support
element.
After creating the models in
AutoCAD, they were exported to the
finite element program, ANSYS 5.4
(Swanson Analysis Systems, Houston,
PA) for analysis of the von Mises dis-
placement and tension maps. The ele-
ment chosen for generating the mesh
was the solid bi-dimensional PLANE
2, which allowed an appropriate re-
finement of the mesh, mainly in places
of greatest interest, like the threads of
the implant and the bone adjacent to it.
An example of the mesh generated is
presented in Fig. 1, which in this case
illustrates model E.
Next, the mechanical properties of
the materials of each structure were
incorporated according to the values
also established in the literature.20,23–26
To simulate symmetry in the model,
the entire right and left side were fixed
in the direction x, to the horizontal.
The base of the model was fixed in the
2 directions, x and y. Thus, the move-
ment of intrusion was not blocked in
any structure to be analyzed; the cor-
tical bone of the base being like the
true support of the entire model. The
structures were simulated homoge-
neously, isotropic, and linearly elastic,
and the models were considered in a
plane state of tensions.
The loading of the forces was
done on the points of the cuspid of the
natural and simulated artificial teeth,
in the models that had them, distribut-
ing a total of 50 N on each cuspid
point, divided into 5 points of 10 N,
which represents a total of 100 N in
model A and 400 N in the other models.
RESULTS
The general displacement maps il-
lustrate the tendency for movement of
the systems after the application of the
simulated forces, generating values in
millimeters. From the analysis of the
general displacement maps, it was
possible to state that the introduction
of the removable prosthesis provided a
movement of the structures that sup-
ported it, increasing the tendency for
movement of the support tooth by ap-
proximately 2 times when the apical
region is used as parameter. The intro-
duction of the implant in models C, D,
E, and F do not show significant dif-
ferences in the apical region of the
support tooth, in spite of reduction ob-
served in the values of displacement
maps. However, in the distal region of
the models with implant, there was a
reduction in the tendency to move,
mainly distal to the implant.
The increase in length influenced
the tendency to move, decreasing the
values of the displacement map,
mainly from the median region to the
implant and distally to this. The in-
crease in diameter, in turn, showed a
similar result only when this in-
creased diameter was analyzed in the
13.0-mm long implants. In the
7.0-mm implants, the increased di-

IMPLANT DENTISTRY / VOLUME 16, NUMBER 3 2007 271


Fig. 1. Model E after generating the finite elements mesh.
Fig. 2. Tension map of the spongy bone of model A.
Fig. 3. Tension map of the spongy bone of model B.
Fig. 4. Tension map of the spongy bone of model C.
Fig. 5. Tension map of the spongy bone of model D.
Fig. 6. Tension map of the spongy bone of model F.
ameter did not lead to an increase in
the displacement map values. Figs.
2–7 show the displacement maps of
all the models.
The general displacement maps il-
lustrate the von Mises tensions found in
the models after the application of
forces, generating values in MPa. From
analysis of these maps, it was possible to
note that some structures presented with
a greater concentration of tension. How-
ever, in order to obtain better visualiza-
tion and make a better comparison
among the models, the main structures
were individualized. Table 2 synthesizes
the maximum and minimum values for
each model and for each structure ana-
lyzed individually.
From the comparison of the corti-
cal bone between models A and B, it is
possible to prove that the cortical bone
of the cortical alveolar bone of the
support tooth suffers an overload with
the introduction of the removable par-
272 EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE
tial denture. This increase in the ten-
sion levels also occurs in the tooth
adjacent to the support tooth, although
on a lesser scale. Another area that
suffers an increase in tension levels is
that of the edentulous edge, where the
removable partial denture comes into
contact with the mucosa of the eden-
tulous edge.
The introduction of the osseointe-
grated implant, acting as support for
the removable partial denture, showed
significant changes in the cortical
bone, mainly in the region of the eden-
tulous edge, which showed a decrease
in the tension levels in the region close
and distally to the implant in all of the
models with the associated implant.
The cortical alveolar bone did not show
a similar relation. In the wide diameter
implants, the increase in length had little
influence, slightly reducing the tensions
found between the support tooth and
osseointegrated implant.
OF THE LENGTH AND DIAMETER OF THE
In the spongy bone, the changes
were more visible. Four different areas
may be noted: the apex region of the
natural teeth; the edentulous ridge re-
gion between the support tooth and
osseointegrated implant, when this is
present; the region adjacent to the im-
plant neck; and the apex region of the
implant.
When models A and B are com-
pared, it is clear that the introduction
of the removable partial denture in-
creases the tension levels in all the
aforementioned areas, and the distal
support tooth, which receives the sup-
port of the removable partial denture,
is more overloaded than the other nat-
ural tooth simulated; this, by over 2
times (Figs. 2 and 3).
In a direct comparison between
model B and the other models that
received the osseointegrated implant,
it may be noted that the apical region
of the implant suffers an overload, and
the region of the apexes of the simu-
lated natural teeth do not undergo
much change. However, in the area of
the edentulous ridge between the sup-
port tooth and implant, and distal to
the implant, there is a reduction in
tension levels. Figs. 4 – 6 illustrate the
spongy bone of models C, D, and F,
respectively.
When comparing the implants of
different lengths, it is noted that the
only areas that undergo alteration are
the apex of the implant. The increase
in length of implant tends to raise the
tensions in the apex, and the region of
the neck and of the first threads of the
implant, which tend toward a decrease
of the tension levels with an increase
in the implant length. The region be-
tween the support tooth and implant
also undergoes a decrease in tensions,
although slight, when the implant
length is increased (Figs. 4 and 5). The
increase in the implant diameter, in
turn, presents differences only in the
region of the implant apex and tends
toward a reduction in the tension lev-
els in this area. The distribution of
tensions was shown to be similar for
the periodontal connection in all the
models analyzed, not showing signif-
icant alterations among any of the
models analyzed (Figs. 5 and 6).
Once again, the introduction of
the removable partial denture gener-
ated an increase in the tension levels
OSSEOINTEGRATED IMPLANT

Fig. 7. Tension map of the fibromucous of
model B.
Fig. 8. Tension map of the fibromucous of
model F.
observed in the fibromucous of the
free end when models A and B were
compared, being double the value in
some areas. The introduction of the
implant acting as support had a similar
result to the ones found for the cortical
bone, showing a relief in the areas
adjacent to the implant and distal to it,
when model B is compared to the mod-
els that have an associated implant. Both
the increase in length and diameter re-
duced the concentration of tensions.
Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate the distribution of
tensions in the fibromucous of the mod-
els B and F, respectively.
All implants presented a similar
distribution of tensions, although the
tension levels were different. On the
left side of all the implants, as well as
in the region of the first internal
threads, are the most overloaded areas,
and the values are higher as the im-
plant length is increased. With the
increase in diameter, the inverse sit-
uation occurs, and a reduction in the
tension levels is seen.
DISCUSSION
From analysis of the displacement
maps obtained in this study, in agree-
ment with other studies, it was possi-
ble to show that the introduction of a
removable partial denture in a distal
extension generated a greater displace-
ment of the support tissues.2–7 By sim-
ilar methodology, Rocha et al1 found
almost twice the movement when a
removable partial denture was associ-
ated with a distal extension mandibu-
lar model. As the degree of implant
movement is much smaller than the
degree of movement that the periodon-
tal membrane allows the tooth, the
idea of using an implant as a way to
minimize the vertical movement of the
prosthetic base in the residual ridge
was shown to be effective. These re-
sults are observed even in association
with a short implant of 7.00 mm,
which is in agreement with the sug-
gestions made by Keltjens et al.13
However, as the displacement maps
show only a tendency toward defor-
mation, it is not possible to affirm that
the implant also has the function of
reducing stress on the natural tooth.
Therefore, the von Mises tension
analysis is carried out, which shows
interesting data in connection with
the association.
Some studies suggest that even a
short implant could provide support
for a distal extension removable par-
tial denture, and it is expected that it
would be less overloaded.12,13,27 Only
longitudinal studies will be able to
verify this affirmation. From the re-
sults of this study, the introduction of
a 3.75 ⫻ 7.00-mm implant, which was
the smallest one used, did not show
very high stress levels at the apex of
the support tooth. When compared
with the levels found in the models
with only a removable partial denture
and without removable partial denture,
the results were similar.
In relation to the tension maps, the
results also showed that the introduc-
tion of the removable partial denture
overloaded the distal support tooth.
This fact is in agreement with the stud-
ies related in the literature, which em-
phasized the problems generated in
distal support teeth by this type of
prosthesis.5,8
From the methodology of this
study, the closest studies and those
that served as a parameter for compar-
ison are those of Craig and Farah8 and
Rocha et al,1 who also used the bi-
dimensional finite element analysis. In
spite of Craig and Farah8 not having
simulated a distal extension without
the presence of the removable partial
denture, they found that under the
application of vertical load concen-
IMPLANT DENTISTRY / VOLUME 16, NUMBER 3 2007
trated in the region of occlusal rest
and marginal crest of the support
tooth, there was a decrease in tension
values observed at the alveolar edge
when compared to the values ob-
tained by the application of vertical
loads on artificial teeth of the remov-
able partial denture. Rocha et al,1
also using vertical load, concluded
that the presence of the removable par-
tial denture overloaded the support
structures more than the model with-
out removable partial denture. In this
study, the introduction of the distal
extension removable partial denture in
the model analyzed provided a con-
centration of tensions at the alveolar
edge distal to the support tooth. This
was not observed in the model with-
out the prosthesis, and it could be
noted both in the general and indi-
vidualized models. Moments of
force are responsible for these in-
creases in tension, and probably the
longer the power arm of this lever
created with the fulcrum on the most
posterior tooth is, the higher the val-
ues will be.8 Even more complex is
the rehabilitation with distal exten-
sion removable partial denture, when
the edentulous area is long and the
bone implant of the support teeth is
compromised.
The use of osseointegrated im-
plants is no more than an attempt to
eliminate the lever problem generated
in the cases of distal extension remov-
able partial denture. Theoretically,
there would be a transformation of a
Kennedy class I tooth-mucous-
supported prosthesis into a Kennedy
class III tooth-implant-supported, or
even retained one, should a retention
element be incorporated to the im-
plant.12 In spite of the few studies fo-
cusing on the association of removable
partial denture and osseointegrated
implants,1 some consider it to be a
promising alternative in relation to
conventional distal extension remov-
able partial dentures.1,13 Furthermore,
some very successful clinical cases in
connection with the association have
been published.10 –13,28,29
The main factor to be considered
is the difficulty of finding a bone height
and thickness in the posterior region
sufficient for placing osseointegrated
implants to support a fixed partial pros-
thesis without the need for sinus lift
273
 Table 2. Maximum and Minimum Values of Displacement and von Mises Tension
Model A Model B Model C Model D Model E Model F
General displacement maps
Min 0 0 0 0 0 0
Max 0.069061 0.131717 0.127701 0.12132 0.127398 0.121088
General tension maps
Min 0.02187 0.183337 0.643 E-03 0.184 E-03 0.01067 0.005166
Max 41.395 103.389 353.538 407.082 182.165 265.306
Spongy bone
Min 0.02187 1.167 0.581421 0.259383 0.384346 0.241532
Max 8.641 18.025 19.633 21.736 17.167 18.854
Cortical bone
Min 0.024989 1.197 1.596 1.382 1.429 0.984353
Max 30.868 103.389 76.999 97.727 76.823 68.938
Fibromucous
Min 0.026799 0.519598 0.308152 0.446818 0.197654 0.223828
Max 16.192 21.017 25.956 20.848 21.048 20.903
Periodontal membrane
Min 0.641254 0.46601 0.414452 0.393143 0.418845 0.391254
Max 10.36 29.007 31.804 31.213 34.989 30.926
CoCr framework
Min — 9.431 5.924 4.065 6.3 3.386
Max — 95.973 110.623 114.675 97.517 114.292
Implant (Ti)
Min — — 0.643 E-03 0.184 E-03 0.01067 0.005166
Max — — 278.062 372.82 182.165 265.306
The displacement values were obtained in millimeters, and the tension values were obtained in MPa. The blank cells indicate that this structure does not exist in the model considered.

Max indicates maximum; Min, minimum.

surgery, nerve lateralization of the man-
dibular nerve or bone graft.10,11,27 Some
alternative solutions have been sug-
gested in the literature.10,11 In this con-
text, another alternative is to place an
implant in the distal extension to support
a removable partial denture, whose fo-
cus was the theme of this study, varying
the length of the implant at values very
close to the maximum and minimum
limits of length for the retromolar re-
gion: 13.00 and 7.00 mm, respectively.
In this study, the introduction of
an osseointegrated implant to support
a removable partial denture showed
alterations in the form of von Mises
general distribution of tensions,
mainly overloading the osseointe-
grated implant, under analysis of the
general tension map. It is reasonable
to expect that the tension in the other
structures would be reduced, as a large
amount of the deformation energy is
consumed by the implant, involving a
reduction of the stress distributed to
the rest of the set.30 The benefits of the
association, like the decrease of ten-
sions on the fibromucous distal to the
support tooth, were the results of this
and other studies.1 Both the cortical
bone and spongy bone showed reduc-
tion of tensions after the introduction
of the implant at the distal extension.
It is, however, difficult to predict to
what extent the bone structure is ben-
efited by this reduction in tension,
since even today, it is not known what
the ideal amount of stress on the bone
is so that bone atrophy does not oc-
cur.17,30 It is, however, predictable that
as lower amounts of tension will be
transmitted to the fibromucous and al-
veolar bone, chewing efficiency and
patient comfort will be enhanced,
since the clinically limiting factor for a
removable partial denture user is still
the problem resulting from the trauma
to the oral mucosa caused by the pros-
thetic base. At least an implant at the
distal extension may help to stabilize
the appliance. Furthermore, just as
found in other studies,1 tension levels
observed in the cortical bone around
the implant were not so high, remain-
ing below the values found at the apex
of natural teeth, which suggests the
feasibility of clinical application, clin-
ically speaking, when reabsorption oc-
curs around the implant, it starts in the
region of the crest of the bone after the
application of occlusal loads and, gen-
erally, by overload.1,27 Therefore, in
spite of the benefits pointed out, the
potential function of an implant used
in this way of reducing stress on the
natural support tooth does not seem to
occur, at least on the vertical loads
under the conditions of this study, be-
ing in disagreement with the study of
Keltjens et al.13
Some considerations with regard
to the implant geometry may also be
made. Generally, a protocol to be fol-
lowed in oral rehabilitation is the use
of the largest amount of bone avail-
able, which means the use of the long-
est possible implant and by a large
bone surface area, which would deter-
mine a more favorable distribution of
stress.27 Short implants present greater
failure rates in any situation.31 Pro-
spective studies have also indicated
that short implants fail more than long
ones, mainly those of standard diame-
ter, and reinforce this theory.18,19 Some
studies showed that from the point of
view of stress distribution, other fac-
tors may be more important than the
implant length, like its inclination or
mandibular flexion.32,33 However, in this
study, where the loads applied were
strictly vertical, by bi-dimensional finite
element analysis, the implant length had

274 EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE LENGTH AND DIAMETER OF THE OSSEOINTEGRATED IMPLANT
a direct influence on the stress transmit-
ted to some structures. The fibromu-
cous, cortical bone, and spongy bone all
showed a reduction in tensions as the
implant length was increased. The only
point where the length did not help to
reduce tensions was at the apex of the
implant, which does not invalidate the
benefits generated by an increase of im-
plant length because when bone loss oc-
curs around the implants, the first area is
generally around the implant neck.34
Furthermore, the stress levels found in
spongy bone apical to the implant are
similar to the levels found at the apex of
the support tooth. The fixation of the
base of the models to allow the finite
element analysis could influence the re-
sult, since the proximity of the cortical
bone at the base of the models may have
limited the load absorption of the
spongy bone.
The advantages of using wide di-
ameter implants are expounded in the
literature.1,15,16,18,19,32,34 –36 Prospective
studies also affirm that using a well-
defined surgical protocol, no large di-
ameter implant was lost during 10
years of control.18 Himmlova et al34
affirmed that the implant length does
not have as much influence as the di-
ameter with regard to stress distribu-
tion. The results of this study are in
agreement with all of these studies, as
it also found advantages with the use
of wide diameter implants in the dis-
tribution of the stress transmitted to
support structures, although the length
also had a significant influence on the
results. The increased diameter also
reduced the tension values observed
internally in the implant itself and
healing abutment. It is not easy to pre-
dict a reasonable limit for implant
dimensions, but certainly, within
physiological limits, to use the longest
and widest implant would be very in-
teresting from the point of view of
stress distribution. Both the length and
diameter influenced stress distribution
in a positive manner, favoring the fi-
bromucous, cortical bone distal to the
support tooth, and the spongy bone,
mainly in the area of the edentulous
ridge and at the implant neck. How-
ever, from the results pointed out
above, even an implant of 3.75 ⫻
7.00-mm length, acting as support for
a distal extension removable partial
denture, has shown improvements in
stress distribution and does not indi-
cate potential risks to rehabilitation.
The internal distribution of ten-
sions in implants showed that the left
side, both of the implant and healing
abutment, were shown to be more
overloaded, in addition to the first in-
ternal threads that also received con-
siderable tensions. This shows that the
resulting loads are not parallel to the
implant but inclined due to the flexion
undergone by the removable partial
denture framework. As this result is
inclined, it may justify the findings of
Tuncelli et al17 that show that angled
implants have advantages over stan-
dard implants with regard to resisting
the damaging effects of horizontal
forces. Further studies varying the in-
clination of the load applied may pro-
vide more data for this discussion.
The finite element analysis is a
mathematical method with a pro-
grammed behavior and is a good
source of predicting the reaction of the
bone to the implant; but, at the same
time, it is necessary to have reliable
data on the mechanical properties of
the human cortical and spongy bone,
which may help to explain the incon-
sistencies existent between the theo-
retical and practical aspects of oral
implantology.37 Its use in the dentistry
area has increased greatly over the last
few decades.38 From the results ob-
tained in this study, the method was
shown to be efficient, translating into
results compatible with clinical reality
and in accordance with the specialized
literature published on the subject.
There are many difficulties in carrying
out the method, mainly with regard to
the interpretation of the systems of
loads generated by this type of appa-
ratus, which must be programmed in
the computer, but the final result,
without doubt, encourages further
studies and also controlled clinical
cases to be carried out in order to
prove in vivo the results obtained in
vitro. Three-dimensional analyses
may provide richer details of stress
distribution and should be the objec-
tive of whoever is inclined to work
with the method described.
CONCLUSIONS
By the proposed methodology, it
was possible to conclude that:
IMPLANT DENTISTRY / VOLUME 16, NUMBER 3 2007
1. The increase in length of the im-
plant had a great influence on the
decrease of displacement and von
Mises tension values according to
the methodology of this study.
2. The increase of the diameter of the
implant had a great influence on
the decrease of von Mises tension
values by the methodology of this
study but did not influence the dis-
placement values.
3. According to the results of this
study, it is a sound choice to use as
large an implant as possible in the
association of implant and remov-
able partial denture.
Disclosure
Not applicable.
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Reprint requests and correspondence to:
Fellippo Ramos Verri, MSc
Rua José Bonifácio 1193
Vila Mendonça 16.015-050
Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
Phone/Fax: (18) 3636-3245
E-mail: fellippo@foa.unesp.br

Abstract Translations
GERMAN / DEUTSCH
AUTOR(EN): Fellippo Ramos Verri, MSc, Eduardo Piza
Pellizzer, PhD, Eduardo Passos Rocha, PhD, João Antônio
Pereira, PhD. Schriftverkehr: Fellippo Ramos Verri, MSc,
Rua José Bonifácio 1193, Vila Mendonça (Zip Code) 16.015-
050, Arac᝺ atuba, São Paulo, Brasilien. Telefon/Fax: (18)
3636-3245, eMail: fellippo@foa.unesp.br
Beurteilung des Einflusses von Länge und Durchmesser des
Knochengewebsintegrierenden Implantats in Verbindung mit
herausnehmbaren Unterkieferteilprothesen des Typs I
ZUSSAMENFASSUNG: Zielsetzung: Die vorliegende
Studie zielte auf eine Beurteilung des Einflusses von Länge
und Durchmesser des Implantats ab, das als Stütze unter dem
Sattel einer distal verlängernden herausnehmbaren Teilproth-
ese eingepflanzt wurde. Materialien & Methoden: 6 Halbse-
itige Unterkiefermodelle wurden unter Vorhandensein des linken
unteren Eckzahns sowie des ersten vorderen Backenzahns herg-
estellt, mit den Unterschieden wie nachfolgend: MA – ohne HTP;
MB – nur HTP; MC – HTP und Implantat (Abmessungen
3,75 ⫻ 7 mm); MD – HTP und Implantat (Abmessungen 3,75 ⫻
13 mm); ME – HTP und Implantat (Abmessungen 5 ⫻ 7 mm);

276 EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE LENGTH AND DIAMETER OF THE OSSEOINTEGRATED IMPLANT
MF – HTP und Implantat (Abmessungen 5 ⫻ 13 mm); Diese
Modelle wurden unter Zuhilfenahme von AutoCAD 2000 er-
stellt und zur abschließenden Elementanalyse mittels Ansys 5.4
weiterverarbeitet. Es wurden vertikale Kräfte von 50 N auf jeden
Eckzahnpunkt aufgebracht. Ergebnisse: Es wurde festgestellt,
dass die Existenz einer HTP den Stützzahn sowie die anderen
Stützstrukturen überlastete. Wurde ein Implantat zusätzlich mit
eingesetzt, verringerten sich die Spannungen. Dies betraf haupt-
sächlich die äußeren Enden des zahnlosen Randes. Mit Zu-
nahme der Ausmessungen schienen sowohl Länge als auch
Durchmesser zu einer Verringerung der Spannungen beizutra-
gen. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Erhöhung der Länge eines
Implantats hatte großen Einfluss auf die Verringerung einer
möglichen Zahnluxation und der von Mises-Spannungswerte.
Die Erhöhung des Durchmessers des Implantats spielte eine
große Rolle hinsichtlich der Verringerung der von Mises-
Spannungswerte, beeinflusste dabei aber die Zahnluxation-
swerte nicht. Aufgrund der Ergebnisse dieser Studie stellt sich
bei Verbindung von Implantaten mit einer distal verlängernden
herausnehmbaren Teilprothese das Implantat mit dem größt
möglichen Durchmesser und der größt möglichen Länge als die
beste Wahl heraus.
SCHLÜSSELWÖRTER: Herausnehmbare Teilprothese,
Zahnimplantat, Biomechanik; finite Elementanalyse.
SPANISH / ESPAÑOL
AUTOR(ES): Fellippo Ramos Verri, MSc, Eduardo Piza
Pellizzer, PhD, Eduardo Passos Rocha, PhD, João Antônio
Pereira, PhD. Correspondencia a: Fellippo Ramos Verri,
MSc, Rua José Bonifácio 1193, Vila Mendonça (Zip Code)
16.015-050, Arac᝺ atuba, São Paulo, Brasil. Teléfono/Fax (18)
3636-3245, Correo electrónico: fellippo@foa.unesp.br
Evaluación de la influencia de la longitud y el diámetro del
implante oseointegrado en una dentadura parcial removible
(RPD) mandibular clase I
ABSTRACTO: Propósito: El objetivo de este estudio fue
evaluar la influencia de la longitud y el diámetro del implante
incorporado bajo la silla de una dentadura parcial removible
con extensión distal, actuando como soporte. Materiales y
Métodos: Se fabricaron 6 modelos hemimandibulares con la
presencia del canino inferior izquierdo y el primer premolar,
con las siguientes diferencias: MA – sin RPD; MB – RPD
solamente; MC – RPD e implante de 3,75 ⫻ 7 mm; MD –
RPD e implante de 3,75 ⫻ 13 mm; ME – RPD e implante de
5 ⫻ 7 mm; MF – RPD e implante de 5 ⫻ 13 mm. Estos
modelos fueron diseñados con la ayuda de AutoCAD 2000 y
procesados con el análisis finito de elementos de Ansys 5.4.
Las cargas aplicadas fueron verticales de 50 N en cada punto
del canino. Resultados: Se notó que la presencia del RPD
sobrecargó al diente de apoyo y otras estructuras. La intro-
ducción del implante redujo las tensiones, principalmente en
las extremidades del borde edentuloso. Ambas, la longitud y
el diámetro tendieron a reducir las tensiones, a medida que
aumentaron sus dimensiones. Conclusiones: El incremento
IMPLANT DENTISTRY / VOLUME 16, NUMBER 3 2007
de la longitud del implante tuvo mucha influencia en la
reducción del desplazamiento y los valores de tensión von
Mises; el aumento del diámetro del implante tuvo mucha
influencia en la reducción de los valores de tensión von
Mises, pero no influenciaron a los valores de desplazamiento.
Según los resultados de este estudio, es una buena opción
usar el implante más grande y más largo posible en la aso-
ciación entre el implante y la dentadura parcial removible con
extensión distal.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Dentadura parcial removible, im-
plante dental, biomecánica, análisis finito de elementos
PORTUGUESE / PORTUGUÊS
AUTOR(ES): Fellippo Ramos Verri, Mestre em Ciência,
Eduardo Piza Pellizzer, PhD, Eduardo Passos Rocha, PhD,
João Antônio Pereira, PhD. Correspondência para: Fellippo
Ramos Verri, MSc, Rua José Bonifácio 1193, Vila Mendonça
(Zip Code) 16.015-050, Arac᝺ atuba, São Paulo, Brazil. Tele-
fone/Fax (18) 3636-3245, e-mail: fellippo@foa.unesp.br
Avaliação da Influência da Extensão e Diâmetro do Im-
plante Osseointegrado Associado com RPD Mandibular
Classe I
RESUMO: Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo era avaliar a
influência da extensão e diâmetro do implante incorporado
sob a sela de uma dentadura parcial removı́vel de extensão
distal, atuando como suporte. Materiais & Métodos: 6 mod-
elos 6 hemi-mandibulares foram feitos com a presença de
cúspide inferior esquerda e primeira bicúspide, com as
seguintes diferenças: MA – sem RPD; MB – RPD apenas;
MC – RPD e implante de 3,75 ⫻ 7 mm; MD – RPD e
implante de 3,75 ⫻ 13 mm; ME – RPD e implante de 5 ⫻ 7
mm; MF – RPD e implante de 5 ⫻ 13 mm. Esses modelos
foram projetados com o auxı́lio de AutoCAD 2000 e proces-
sados para a análise de elemento finito por Ansys 5.4. As
cargas aplicadas eram verticais de 50 N em cada ponto da
cúspide. Resultados: Observou-se que a presença do RPD
carregou o dente de apoio e outras estruturas. A introdução do
implante reduziu as tensões, principalmente nas extremidades
da borda desdentada. Tanto a extensão quanto o diâmetro
tenderam a reduzir as tensões, à medida que suas dimensões
aumentavam. Conclusões: O levantamento da extensão do
implante teve grande influência na diminuição do desloca-
mento e valores de tensão von Mises, mas não influenciou os
valores de deslocamento; pelos resultados deste estudo, é
uma boa escolha usar o maior e mais largo implante possı́vel
na associação entre o implante e a dentadura parcial remov-
ı́vel de extensão distal.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Dentadura parcial removı́vel, im-
plante dentário, biomecânica, análise de elementos finitos
RUSSIAN /

О: Fellippo Ramos Verri,
гс сс 
ук, Eduardo Piza Pellizzer, доко флософ, Edu-
277
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JAPANESE /

278 EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE LENGTH AND DIAMETER OF THE OSSEOINTEGRATED IMPLANT
CHINESE /

IMPLANT DENTISTRY / VOLUME 16, NUMBER 3 2007 279

 KOREAN /

280 EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE LENGTH AND DIAMETER OF THE OSSEOINTEGRATED IMPLANT