Methods Computer-aided design software was used to design a novel dental implant abutment with an internal resilient component with a micro-motion capability. The feasibility of the novel system was investigated via finite element analysis. Then, a prototype of the novel dental implant abutment was fabricated, and the mechanical behavior was evaluated.

Results The results of the mechanical tests and finite element analysis confirmed that the novel dental implant abutment possessed the anticipated micro-motion capability. Furthermore, the nonlinear force–displacement behavior apparent in this micro-motion mechanism imitated the movement of a human tooth. The slope of the force–displacement curve of the novel abutment was approximately 38.5N/mm before the 0.02-mm displacement and approximately 430N/mm after the 0.03-mm displacement.

Significance The novel dental implant abutment with a micro-motion mechanism actually imitated the biomechanical behavior of a natural tooth and provided resilient function, sealing, a non-separation mechanism, and ease-of-use.