Occlusion and implants

Dental implants have become a common method of replacing some missing teeth in otherwise dentate patients but have failures in both the short and the long term often as a result of peri-implantitis. This may be initiated by occlusal trauma, the most likely cause of early implant bone loss. Occlusal trauma is associated with a 20 to 50 per cent rate of peri-implantitis. An excessive occlusal height of 100 microns may be the threshold for bone loss. Patient selection is all important. Good oral hygiene and a stable occlusion without bruxism are key features. Secondly, the function of the periodontal ligament allowing natural teeth to intrude into the alveolar bone in contrast to the fixed, osteo-integrated implant has to be taken into consideration when checking the occlusion during the fit stage of implant restorations. A method of ensuring accurate, trauma free occlusion will be described.