Selecting an appropriate occlusal scheme when fabricating implant- supported fixed dental prostheses: a systematic review

Abstract

Background Dental implants are ankylosed in the bone without a periodontal ligament resulting in a lack of micro-mobility during chewing. Consequently, occlusion with dental implants may be at greater risk, specifically when the teeth come into contact in lateral excursive movements. Objective A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify occlusal concepts that were most favorable for implant-retained fixed restorations. Data Sources A search of the literature was conducted using PubMed and EndNote literature online software databases. Keywords were used to assist in the identification of the literature. Study Selection The literature search identified 49 articles using PubMed and 33 articles using the author created EndNote database. Data Extraction Two occlusal concepts were identified, namely mutually protected occlusion and group function unilateral occlusion. None of the articles demonstrated clear scientific evidence to identify superiority of one concept over the other. Data Synthesis Based upon the systematic review of the literature, no scientific evidence was identified favoring any specific occlusal concept.