Occlusion for implant-supported fixed dental prostheses in partially edentulous patients: a literature review and current concepts

Abstract

Implant treatment has become the treatment of choice to replace missing teeth in partially edentulous areas. Dental implants present different biological and biomechanical characteristics than natural teeth. Occlusion is considered to be one of the most important factors contributing to implant success. Most literature on implant occlusal concepts is based on expert opinion, anecdotal experiences, in vitro and animal studies, and only limited clinical research. Furthermore, scientific literature regarding implant occlusion, particularly in implant-supported fixed dental prostheses remains controversial. In this study, the current status of implant occlusion was reviewed and discussed. Further randomized clinical research to investigate the correlation between implant occlusion, the implant success rate, and its risk factors is warranted to determine best clinical practices.

Assessment of stress distribution around implant fixture with three different crown materials

“…This is due to the difference in their manner of anchorage to bone the biological differences between teeth and dental implants are clear. The natural tooth is suspended by the PDL whereas the dental implant is in direct contact with the bone [3]. Under loading, the resilient PDL provides a shock-absorbing feature for the teeth.…”

“…The correlation between occlusal overloading and periimplantitis, which consequently results in implant failure, has been controversial [3,18]. Supra-occlusal axial and lateral loading has been shown to create some crater-like bone defects lateral to the implants and loss of osseointegration [19e21].…”

“…Roland DG Corporation of Hamamatsu, Japan 2. McNeel Inc., Seattle, WA, USA 3. Autodesk Inc., San Rafael, CA, USA 4.…”

Post-insertion Posterior Single-implant Occlusion Changes at Different Intervals: A T-Scan Computerized Occlusal Analysis

“…1,2 Occlusal overloading is considered a potential cause of peri-implant bone loss and implant prosthesis failure 3,4 and may result in mechanical complications, such as screw loosening, screw fracture, prosthesis fractures, and fracture of veneering materials. 5,6 It has been demonstrated that in the presence of inflammation, overloading exacerbates plaque-induced bone resorption around implants.…”

Fracture resistance of monolithic zirconia crowns with different occlusal thicknesses in implant prostheses

“…22 For implant occlusion, researchers suggest avoiding excessive premature contacts, large occlusal tables, and steep cusp inclinations because of the lack of periodontal ligament. 23 However, occlusion is always complex and difficult to simulate because it may be affected by masticatory cycles and force. A cyclic contact fatigue test could be an effective method of simulating the impact of occlusion.…”