[Occlusion in osseointegrated prosthesis]

Occlusion plays a significant role in the successful restoration of natural teeth and in replacing missing teeth. Over the decades, standards for occlusion have been established. Implants, osseointegrated, have provided a rigid, usable abutment for restorations of occlusion and for the replacement of missing teeth. The natural tooth, due to it's mobility dynamics, presents problems related to occlusion. The osseointegrated, rigid implant, due to it's lack of mobility, presents in many respects problems related to occlusion. Substantial amounts of research has been presented on implants as it relates to success of osseointegration and acceptance by bone, and the acceptance of oral mucosal tissues to penetration of the implant. Failures of implant fixtures and their parts have been experienced. Not much information has been presented on the causes of failures. The question becomes obvious What is the role of the forces of occlusion? The purpose of this article is to present some aspects of occlusion that are important in restoring natural teeth and complete dentures. The problems in applying these aspects to the osseointegrated, rigid implant will be presented. The factors to consider in the control of the forces of occlusion in using implants will be established. It is not possible to cover all the possibilities of occlusion for implantation. However, the factors to consider in making intelligent choices will be presented.