Quantitative Analysis of Occlusal Contact in Posterior Single-Implant Supported Restorations: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Objective: This clinical study aimed to quantitatively analyze occlusal contact adjustments in posterior single-implant supported restorations using different occlusal adjustment techniques to understand their impact on implant stability and longevity. Materials and Methods: Ten patients with posterior single-implant supported restorations were recruited for this study. Digital impressions were taken, and prototype crowns were fabricated and adjusted using two techniques: shimstock hold and shimstock drag. The adjustments were analyzed using CAD software to measure the occlusal contact area reduction. The occlusal contact distance changes were documented, and statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA. Results: The shimstock drag technique resulted in a decrease in occlusal contact height (mean values: -0.020164 to 0.022908), while the shimstock hold technique showed an increase (mean values: 0.095368 to 0.14847). Variability within groups was observed, indicating patient-specific responses. The two-way ANOVA showed significant effects of the sample type on occlusal adjustments (F(1, 48) = 119.52, p 0.00001) but no significant interaction between the patient factor and occlusal adjustment technique (F(5, 48) = 1.3376, p = 0.2646). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that occlusal adjustment techniques significantly affect occlusal contact outcomes in posterior single-implant supported restorations. These findings support the effectiveness of tailored occlusal adjustments to optimize implant load distribution and enhance restoration stability, providing a basis for clinical recommendations in implant dentistry.