Mastication forces and implant-bearing surface

This article discusses the shift of emphasis in implantology from the phenomenon of osseointegration of implants to the accurate fabrication of the prosthesis, recognizing the implant/prosthesis unit as an actual replica rather than a replacement of the missing tooth. The study of kinetics with its succession of mandibular cycles is used to discuss the integration of mastication and occlusion. The importance of periimplant ligament in natural teeth is discussed, along with the impact of its absence on implant mobility. The impact of the bone types and the root surface architecture on the implant-bearing surface is presented along with the stress of the mastication forces. All these factors have to be considered in the treatment planning and effectively communicated to the laboratory. The learning objective of this article is to provide updated information in those areas for the reader.