Tooth-implant connection: a bibliographic review

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Biomaterials

Background:

• The connection of natural teeth to dental implants with prostheses is a debated treatment alternative.
• Understanding the biomechanical implications and clinical outcomes is crucial for evidence-based decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive bibliographic review of existing literature on tooth-implant connections.
• To evaluate the viability, success rates, and potential complications of this treatment modality.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and classification of twenty relevant articles were performed.
• Analysis included implant survival rates, prosthetic complications, and incidence of dental intrusion.
• Biomechanical models were assessed to understand stress distribution in different connection types.

Main Results:

• Implant survival rates ranged from 84.4% to 100%.
• Prosthetic complications were reported between 80% and 90%, with dental intrusion from 0% to 5.6%.
• Rigid connections minimized intrusion but increased stress on teeth and bone; non-rigid connections shifted stress to the prosthesis.

Conclusions:

• Tooth-implant connections are a viable short-to-medium term option with acceptable success rates, particularly with rigid connections.
• Complication rates are higher compared to other treatments, and rigid connections, while avoiding intrusion, are not advisable as a primary choice.
• Further longitudinal studies are needed to fully ascertain long-term viability and optimal connection strategies.