Background: The restoration of dental implants presents a unique challenge due to the intrinsic biomechanical differences between osseointegrated implants and natural teeth, and their subsequent responses to occlusal loading. However, controversy exists regarding the role that occlusion plays in the physiology of the peri-implant complex.
Purpose: To provide an overview of the scientific literature regarding occlusion as it relates to implant dentistry and peri-implant disease.
Materials and methods: This article presents a narrative review on occlusal loading and its potential effects on the peri-implant complex, as well as some generally accepted guidelines for occlusion in implant dentistry.
Results and conclusions: Although there is strong evidence linking occlusal factors to mechanical complications of dental implants, the same cannot be said regarding biological complications. There is no clear scientific evidence on the relationship between occlusal overload and peri-implant disease. However, occlusal overload may be an accelerating factor for peri-implant disease in the presence of inflammation. As the biomechanical properties of dental implants differ from that of the natural dentition, modifications to classic concepts of occlusion may be necessary when dental implants are involved. Thus, clinical recommendations are proposed which function to minimize unfavorable occlusal forces on implant restorations and reduce the associated biological and mechanical complications.
Keywords: biological complications; dental implants; occlusion; overload; peri-implant disease.
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