Where is the most stress located on an implant during function?

The location where the most stress is concentrated on an implant during function is at the crown/implant interface. This area experiences significant stress due to the forces generated during chewing and functional activities. When the artificial tooth (crown) is placed on the implant, any occlusal forces exerted during mastication are transmitted through this interface.

As forces are applied to the crown, they create moments that act on the implant as well as compressive and tensile forces on the surrounding bone. The design and materials of both the crown and the implant system are engineered to manage these stresses effectively, but understanding that the crown/implant interface bears the brunt of functional loads is crucial in implant dentistry. Proper angulation, material selection, and occlusal considerations are vital to minimize the risk of bond failure or complication at this critical juncture.

The other areas mentioned, such as the bone/implant interface, abutment/implant junction, and superstructure/abutment connection, do also experience stress, but the crown/implant interface is consistently where the highest levels of stress occur due to the direct application of functional loads from mastication forces.