Implant-tooth-supported fixed partial prostheses: Correlations between in vivo occlusal bite forces and marginal bone reactions

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate maximal occlusal bite forces (MOF) and marginal bone level (MBL) changes in patients with implant-tooth-supported fixed partial prostheses (FPP). Material and methods: Twenty nine partially edentulous patients consecutively who received 34 three-occlusal unit FPP with terminal implant and tooth support were subjected to quantification of MOFs using a sub-miniature load cell connected to a data acquisition system and measurement of the MBL changes around implants in digitalized periapical radiographs obtained at prostheses delivery and 24-month follow-up. Results: MOFs for implant support (mean: 353.61 N) significantly differed from tooth support (mean: 275.48 N) (P<0.05), while gender did not influence MOFs (P>0.05). MBL changes at mesial and distal sites of the implants at 24 months of functional loading were 0.28 and 0.097 mm respectively. Conclusion: Although MOFs under functional loading might indicate an increase in load participation for supporting implant, the rigid connection between implant and natural tooth via three-occlusal unit FPP does not jeopardize the time-dependent MBL stability of the implant under functional loads. Copyright © Blackwell Munksgaard 2006.