Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
 | 
Online Publication Date: 01 Dec 2001

Therapeutic Biomechanics Concepts and Clinical Procedures to Reduce Implant Loading. Part II: Therapeutic Differential Loading

DDS, MS, FACD, FICD
Page Range: 302 – 310
DOI: 10.1563/1548-1336(2001)027<0302:TBCACP>2.3.CO;2
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Abstract

Practical laboratory procedures were suggested in order to provide a modified occlusal anatomy to reduce implant loading. The concept of differential mobility caused by the flexion between a natural tooth/periodontal ligament interface with its supporting bone, compared with the stiffness of the implant/bone interface, was described. When individual tooth-supported and implant-supported prostheses coexist in the same arch, this differential mobility can shift the loading disproportionately from the natural teeth to the implants. A new concept of therapeutic differential loading is introduced and a clinical technique of differential occlusal adjustment is described to bring about a more favorable distribution of loading to all the supporting bone. Long-term natural tooth intrusion can cause implant overload. Therefore, it is suggested that periodic differential occlusal adjustment procedures be used to re-establish a long-term balance of loading between individual implant- and tooth-supported prostheses within the same arch.

Copyright: American Academy of Implant Dentistry
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