Digital Image Correlation Analysis of Vertically Loaded Cylindrical Ti-Implants With Straight and Angled Abutments

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the abutment angulation upon the strain distribution pattern for the vertical loading situation by means of the digital image correlation (DIC) method. In addition, to find the correlation between acrylic-layer thickness around implant body and surfaces strain induced by vertical loads. Two types of samples consisted of the Straumann (R) cylindrical dental implant system (4x10mm) with the SLActive (R) surface and the poly-methyl-methacrylate were used in this study. For strain analysis, the DIC system was used, manufacturer GOM. The optical deformation measurement system consists of special set of stereo cameras and lenses, and ARAMIS software (6.2.0, Braunschweig, Germany). Maximum von Mises strain was 0.30% in the sample with the straight abutment and 0.50% in the sample with the angled abutment. Minimum strain measured by Aramis was 0.01%, detected in the 6mm surface layer of the sample with straight abutment. According to results obtained by Aramis data processing, the 4mm surface layer indicated greater overall strain in apical direction with the strains of 0.18-0.50%, depending on the force intensity. Higher strain was noticed in the thinner surface layers. The angulated abutment induced higher strain in both surface layers than the straight abutment did