Finite Element Analysis of Screw-Tightening Torque Applied to Custom and Conventional Abutment

The aim of this study was to design an abutment with an esthetic emergence profile contour using CAD technology and compare the stress distribution within the structure between the custom abutment and conventional abutment according to the screw tightening torque using 3D finite element analysis (FEA). The maximum tensile principal stress was found in the endpoint of the screw head and the start point of the screw line with regard to the application of the tightening torque of the screw. A similar pattern was observed in all of the following screws- 10N·cm, 20N·cm, and 30N·cm. The tightening torque of the screw had a significant impact on the changes in the stress of the abutment and screw fixture. This study also found that the condition in which the screw load was applied showed a more realistic description of the behavior of a single fixed dental implant than the condition in which the screw load was not applied. This study examined the optimal tightening torque value of the screw for the denture used in this study at a location slightly higher than 20N·cm. The difference in the custom abutment and conventional abutment did not have a significant impact on the supporting bone with regard to the external load. In regard to the stress occurring in the screw, the custom abutment had a lower degree of stress than the conventional type. Therefore, a screw fracture would occur less frequently in a custom abutment than a conventional abutment.