Occlusion in Implant Dentistry-Issues and Considerations

ABSTRACT The goal of any prosthetic procedure must include the establishment of a functional occlusion. It is known that natural teeth have periodontal ligament receptors that protect the teeth from excessive occlusal forces, which can cause trauma to supporting tissues and bone. Although many factors are involved in the neuro-muscular reex actions in natural teeth, there are no specic defense mechanisms against occlusal forces in implant-supported prosthesis. Complications (prosthetic or bony support) reported in follow-up studies underline occlusion as one of the determining factors for success or failure of implants.