Hybrid Biomechanical Design of Dental Implants: Integrating Solid and Gyroid Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Lattice Architectures for Optimized Stress Distribution.

Abstract

Background: Dental implantology has evolved significantly since the introduction of additive manufacturing, which allows for the reproduction of natural bone's porous architecture to improve bone tissue compatibility and address stress distribution issues important to long-term implant success. Conventional solid dental implants frequently cause stress shielding, which compromises osseointegration and reduces durability.

Aim: The current research proposes to examine the biomechanical efficacy of fully and hybrid gyroid triply periodic minimum surface (TPMS) latticed implants across different cell sizes to optimize stress distribution and improve implant durability.

Methods: This study evaluates six fully and hybrid gyroid (TPMS) latticed implants, including fully latticed designs with three cell sizes-FLI_111 (1 mm × 1 mm × 1 mm), FLI_222 (2 mm × 2 mm × 2 mm), and FLI_333 (3 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm)-and hybrid gyroid TPMS latticed implants with solid necks in corresponding sizes-HI_111, HI_222, and HI_333. To enhance initial stability, a square-threaded design was added into the bottom part of both fully and hybrid lattice implants. The designs also incorporate anti-rotational connections to enhance fixation, and they undergo a clinical viability comparison with contemporary implants. To improve lattice designs, finite element analysis (FEA) was utilized through nTopology (nTOP 4.17.3) to balance stiffness and flexibility. To examine mechanical performance under realistic conditions, a dynamic mastication loading simulation was conducted for 1.5 s across three cycles.

Results: The findings reveal that hybrid implants, particularly HI_222, exhibited improved mechanical characteristics by reducing micromotions at the bone-implant interface, improving osteointegration, and attaining better stress distribution.

Conclusions: By addressing stress shielding and boosting implant performance, this work paves the way for personalized implant designs, developing dental technology, and improving clinical results.