ABSTRACT
Two-dimensional finite element models were created to study the stress and strain distribution around a solitary Branemark implant. The influence of a number of clinically relevant parameters was examined : the nature of the interface between the implant and the bone, bone elastic properties, unicortical versus bicortical implant fixation and the presence of a lamina dura. Bone loading patterns in the vicinity of the implant are very sensitive to these parameters. Hence they should be integrated correctly in numerical models of in vivo behaviour of oral implants. This necessitates the creation of patient-dependent finite element models.
