ABSTRACT
The number of dental implants has increased exponentially over the years, mainly because the number of partially edentulous patients is increasing as a consequence of the aging of the population. Thus, it is necessary to study the response of the bone when submitted to different loads, which may be either axial, horizontal, or a combination of these two. This work aims to simulate the mechanical behaviour of the mandible with distinct numerical methods, such as the Finite Element Method (FEM), and two meshless methods—the Radial Point Interpolation Method (RPIM) and the Natural Neighbour Radial Interpolation Method (NNRPIM). Additionally, this study aims to study the effect of the occlusal load orientation. Thus, a virtual model of the mandible was constructed and analysed with the distinct numerical techniques. The results obtained showed significant differences in the stress distribution when axial or horizontal loads are considered. Loads aligned with the horizontal direction produce stresses four times higher than loads applied in the axial direction.
