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Quantitative analysis of occlusion in posterior single-implant supported restorations: A clinical study
Huilin Cao1, Diana Lopez1, Jason D Lee2
1Graduate student, Advanced Graduate Education in Prosthodontics, Department of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
Objective:
A precise and methodical approach to occlusal adjustments is critical for the long-term success of implant restorations. Furthermore, a quantifiable value for the ideal adjustment required would enhance our understanding of the biomechanical differences between natural teeth and dental implants. This study evaluates and quantifies the occlusal adjustments needed to achieve implant-protected occlusion in posterior single-implant restorations.
Methods:
Ten participants with osseointegrated posterior implants were recruited. Custom titanium abutments were fabricated from digital impressions. For each of the 10 participants, nine 3D-printed resin prototype crowns were fabricated on the respective custom abutment and assigned accordingly: 4 crowns assigned to the "shimstock hold" (SH) group and 4 crowns to the "shimstock drag" (SD) group and one used as the reference crown. The crowns were adjusted to SH or SD conditions as assigned. Occlusal contact differences were analyzed using a 3D inspection software program by measuring the buccal-lingual occlusal contact distance relative to the reference crown and quantifying the required occlusal adjustments for each group.
Results:
SH group exhibited a mean 130 µm difference in occlusal contact surface compared to SD group (SD = 60 µm). A two-factor ANOVA confirmed significant effects of adjustment techniques on occlusal contact outcomes (p < 0.001), with no significant influence from participant factors or their interaction with adjustment methods.
Conclusions:
This study offers a quantifiable approach for the establishment of implant-protected occlusion on single implant supported crowns, utilizing both superimposed intraoral scans and precise chairside adjustments. Variations in osseoperception between participants were minimal, enabling practitioners to apply the proposed quantified approach consistently.
Clinical Significance:
The results provide preliminary quantitative guidance for occlusal adjustments in posterior implant restorations.
