OCCLUSO-PROSTHETICS in Implant Dentistry

The osseointegrated implants are ankylosed to surrounding bone without the periodontal ligament (PDL), unlike natural teeth that biomechanically react in a different fashion to all the occlusal forces. It is therefore believed that dental implants may be more prone to occlusal overloading, which is often regarded as one of the potential causes of peri-implant bone loss and failure of the implant/implant prosthesis. Overloading factors that may negatively influence on implant longevity include large cantilevers, parafunction, improper occlusal designs, and premature contacts. Hence, it is essential to control implant occlusion within the physiologic limits and thus provide optimal implant load to ensure long-term implant success. The purpose of this book is to discuss the importance of implant occlusion for implant longevity and to provide clinical guidelines for optimal implant occlusion and possible solutions for managing complications related to implant occlusion as it is essential for all clinicians to understand the inherent differences between teeth and implants and how force, either normal or excessive force, may influence on implants under occlusal loading.