Proceedings - 19th international Conference - iEEE/EMBS Oct. 30 - Nov. 2, 1997 Chicago, IL.

USA

BIOMECHANICS OF DENTAL IMPLANT - A PHOTOELASTIC EVALUATION

ANIL KISHEN" , RADHAKRISHNAN. S. * *

*Asst. Professor, Sri Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Madras, India.
**Prof. Biomedical Div., Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India, e-mail:
srk!biomed @ iitm.ernet.in.
ABSTRACT
Dental biomechanics is an interdisciplinary
approach wherein engineering principles are made use of in
dentistry to develop better understanding of clinical
problems. In the present study photoelastic technique is
utilized to compare stress distribution pattern to the
supporting bone in tooth with supporting bone loss and tooth
stabilized using endodontic implant. It is conclusive that
endodontic implant in tooth with supporting bone loss can
induce deleterious effects on the supporting bone.
Keywords: Endodontic implant, Photoelasticity, stress
distribution, Supporting Bone loss, stress concentration.
INTRODUCTION
Endodontic implant is a type of dental implant
where a rigid metallic structure is fixed through the root
canal of the tooth into the bone, as a treatment methodology
for tooth with altered crown root ratio [ 11. They can be used
effectively to improve the prognosis of a mobile tooth due to
trauma or pathological loss of tooth structure or bone
support.
Endodontic Implants are unique when compared to
other dental implant system in that
(a) they are not exposed to the oral cavity
(b) their dimensions being very small, the area of bone to
be prepared to receive the implant is not extensive
(c) the angulation of the implant is easily established
through the root canal.
Inspite of these advantages the endodontic implant has not
been widely practiced [2]. Recent trends has been to apply
physical principles and Engineering techniques to study the
behaviour of the biological structures [3]. Biomechanical
studies in dentistry gives a better understanding of dental
structures under functional forces [4]. In the present study
photoelastic experiments are conducted to study the stress
distribution pattem in tooth with endodontic implant with
supporting bone loss and a comparison with a non implap
pathological condition is made.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The photoelastic stress analysis is based on the
principle of double refraction (Bire fringence) of some
transparent materials. When loaded these materials exhibit
interference fringes when viewed with a polarised light.

These fringe patterns produced under an external force

represent the distribution of internal stresses within the
complex structure under load. There are two groups of
fringe patterns identified. These are isoclinics and
isochromatics which gives information about the direction
and magnitude of principle stress respectively.
In the present study, models for the stress analysis
were prepared using Epoxy resin (Araldite Y230 & HY95 1).
The resin and hardner were taken in separate containers,
heated in an oven at 90C for 3 hrs. After cooling, it was
mixed carefully in the proportion of 100:8 (Resin : Hardner)
by weight and poured into a perspex mould and two tooth
models for use in the study were made.

Model 1
The model 1, simulates weakened tooth with
supporting bone loss. This model had crown root ratio
different from the normal.
Model 2

The model 2 was used to study stress distribution

pattem in tooth and supporting bone after stabilization with
endodontic implant. This model had a smooth parallel sided
stainless steel implant placed through the tooth into the
bone.
The experimental set up consisted of :

1.
3.
5.

2.

Polariscope

4. Video Camera

In this experiment each model was mounted on an

aluminum frame work between the first quarter wave plate
and second quarter wave plate of the polariscope. A
monochromatic light was passed through it. The specimens
were loaded with 112 N, 157 N and 225 N forces in three
directions which are vertically along the long axis of the
tooth, at 30" and at 60' lingual to the long axis of the tooth.
The digital image processing system was used for the
analysis of the fringes thus obtained.
RESULTS
The stress distribution pattems obtained by
photoelastic experiments were analysed and compared for
the following two cases.

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(C) 1997 IEEE)

Light source
Model
Digital image processing system

Proceedings - 19th International Conference - IEEE/EMBS Oct. 30 - Nov. 2, 1997 Chicago, IL. USA

a. Tooth weakened with supporting bone loss

b. Tooth with endodontic implant
The results obtained from the digital image
processing system for the following cases are as follows.

I. For fringe pattem representing stress distribution in tooth

weakened with supporting bone loss. (refer Fig. IA, 1B)
i. It is seen from the fringes that the Stress on the
supporting bone increases with the lingual inclination
of bite force from vertical direction.
ii. Stresses are higher along the labial side than on the
lingual side of the tooth and supporting alveolar bone
iii. Stress are zero near the root apex
iv. Stresses are found concentrated at the region of
defective supporting bone where the stress are
pathogenic.
11. For Fringe pattems representing stress distribution in
tooth with endodontic implant the results indicate that
the (refer Fig.2A,2B).
i. Fringe pattems vary with the direction of occlusal force
with the maximum being on the lingual side when
compared to labial side.
ii. Stresses concentrate more near the root apex, making it
a highly stressed region.

DISCUSSION

A crucial factor affecting the longevity of implant

is the nature and degree of force acting on the implant. The
endodontic implant also known as endodontic stabilizer
receives occlusal stress from the tooth during function.
These stresses are of significance for the better prognosis of
the implant.

In the first experimental study, the stress

distribution pattem in a tooth weakened due to periodontal
pathosis simulating supporting bone loss was investigated. It
was observed that stresses were concentrated in the regions
of bone loss. It was further noted that stress in the
supporting bone was higher on the labial surface when
compared to the lingual surface.
In the second experimental model with the
endodontic implant it was found that the stresses were
higher in the lingual aspect when compared with the labial
aspect. The reason for the shift of higher stress pattem may
be due to the presence of endodontic implant, which may be
the contributing factor to the leverage in the stabilized teeth.
In our investigation distinct stress concentration was
observed at the root apex in the model with endodontic

implant which is in confirmation with the previous

researchers. Excessive movement of the stabilizer may
induce stresses with deleterious effect in the apical region of
the root. This can be minimised by using a,stabilizer system
that may provide a suitable match between the endodontic
implant and the prepared channel.
From the foregoing analysis and discussion it is
evident that endodontic endosseous implant may be thought
of in certain clinical situations such as inadequate root
length, tooth with horizontal root fracture, in cases with
severe intemal resorption and in apicoectomy, where large
portion of root is lost with healthy supporting structures. On
the contrary, Endodontic implant should be avoided in tooth
with
severe bone loss.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Photoelastic experiments were conducted to study
the stress distribution pattem in models simulating clinical
conditions of a tooth weakened with periodontal pathosis
and stabilized with endodontic implant.
In models simulating supporting bone loss due to
periodontal pathosis, stress concentration was observed in
the region of defective alveolar bone. .The tooth with
endodontic implant showed more stress on the lingual side
of the supporting bone compared to the non-implant model.
From the above study it can be concluded that with
proper case selection and ideal configuration of endodontic
implant one can achieve better prognosis and success in
clinical practice.

REFERENCE
1. Alfred C.Frank, Endodontic Endosseous Implant and treatment

of wide open apex. Dental clinics of North America, 675-690.

Nov. 1967.
2. Deines D.N. Eick J.D., Cobb C.M., Bowles C.Q. and Johnson
C.M., Photoelastic stress analysis of natural teeth and three
osseointegrated implant designs. 1nt.J.Periodontics Restorative
Dent., 13(6), 540-549, 1993.

3. Franklin S.Weine and Alfred L.Frank, Survival of the

endodontic endosseous implant. J. of Endodontics, Vo1.19( 10)
: 524-531, Oct. 1993.
4. Mahler and Peyton, Photoelasticity as a research technique for
analysing stresses in dental structures. J.Dent.Res.. 34, 831838. 1955.

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Proceedings - 19th International Conference - IEEE/EMBS Oct. 30 - Nov. 2, 1997 Chicago, IL. USA
Direction of force

labial side
lingual side

Supporting bone

Fig.lA Model 1 -

Fig. 1B Model 1 -

Isoclinic fringe patterns for different occlusal forces and direction

Isochromatic fringe pattems for different occlusal forces and- direction

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Proceedings - 19th International Conference - IEEE/EMBS Oct. 30 - Nov. 2, 1997 Chicago, IL. USA

Fig.2A Model 2

Fig.2B Model 2

Isoclinic fringe patterns for different occlusal forces a n d direction

Isochromatic fringe p a t t e m s for different occlusal forces and direction

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