Finite element analysis of the effect of novel Lock Screw system preventing abutment screw loosening

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this finite element analysis study is to introduce the novel Lock screw system and analyze its mechanical property to see if it can prevent abutment screw loosening. Materials and Methods: The Lock screw is a component tightened on the inside of the implant abutment which applies compressive force to the abutment screw head. To investigate the effect, modeling was done using CAD program and it was analyzed by finite element analysis under various load conditions. First, the preload was measured according to the tightening torque of the abutment screw then it was compared with the theoretical value to verify the analytical model. The validated analytical model was then divided into those with no external load and those with 178 N, and the tightening torque of the lock screw was changed to 10, 20, 30 Ncm respectively to examine the property of stress distribution on the implant components. Results: Using Lock screw under various loading conditions did not produce equivalent stresses beyond the yield strength of the implant components. In addition, the axial load was increased at the abutment-abutment screw interface. Conclusion: The use of Lock screw does not exert excessive stress on the implant components and may increase the frictional force between the abutment-abutment screw interface, thus it is considered to prevent loosening of the abutment screw.