Structural Design and Mechanical Properties Analysis of Gradient Primitive Porous Dental Implant Based on Selective Laser Melting

The current dental implants used in clinical practice are mostly homogeneous porous alloys, with relatively uniform properties. In order to achieve the optimal porosity for gradient porous dental implants that not only meet strength requirements but also ensure long-term stability, this study combines comprehensive experimental methods with finite element analysis. Using Mathematica software, 16 groups of gradient porous structures with an average porosity of 60% were designed. The mechanical properties, including elastic modulus and yield strength, of the SLM-formed samples were analyzed through compression tests to determine the optimal porous structure design parameters. Based on the optimized gradient variation rate, gradient porous samples with different average porosities, as well as homogeneous porous samples with a porosity of 60%, were designed. Compression tests were conducted to analyze the impact of average porosity on the mechanical properties of gradient porous structures. Additionally, Ansys finite element software was used to evaluate the stress distribution of implants with different average porosities and their corresponding mandibular bone tissues. The research results indicate that when the gradient variation rate is 40% (P_in = 80%, P_out = 40%), the gradient porous structure exhibits the highest elastic modulus and yield strength. Finite element analysis shows that the gradient porous dental implant with an average porosity of 30% has the smallest stress difference, meeting the stress limit of the tooth root. This is more conducive to forming stable osseointegration, thereby improving the long-term stability and service life of the dental implant.