In vivo load measurements on osseointegrated implants supporting fixed or removable prostheses: a comparative pilot...

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Biomaterials Science
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Edentulous maxilla rehabilitation presents challenges for implant stability and force distribution.
• Understanding biomechanical loads on dental implants is crucial for long-term prosthesis success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure and compare in vivo loads on a single terminal abutment cylinder for fixed prostheses versus implant-supported overdentures.
• To evaluate the biomechanical forces and bending moments experienced by dental implants under different prosthetic configurations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a strain gauge technique for in vivo load measurement on a single terminal abutment cylinder.
• Clinical measurements were performed on a patient with six implants in the edentulous maxilla.
• Tested both a fixed prosthesis and an overdenture supported by a bar connected to the implants.

Main Results:

• Significant force was introduced during the connection of the fixed prosthesis framework.
• Compression and tension forces were lower with the overdenture compared to the fixed prosthesis.
• Preliminary data indicated relatively higher bending moments on the implant when the overdenture was loaded.

Conclusions:

• The choice of prosthesis (fixed vs. overdenture) significantly influences the biomechanical load distribution on dental implants.
• While overdentures may reduce direct compression/tension, they can introduce higher bending moments, necessitating careful consideration in implant treatment planning.
• Further investigation is warranted to fully elucidate the long-term implications of these findings on implant survival rates.