Abstract
We evaluated the validity, using the Dental Prescale system®, of implant-retained fixed prosthesis on masticatory efficiency in unilateral free-end partial edentulism, compared with a removable partial denture. The population of this study was as follows: implant-retained fixed prosthesis for unilateral free-end dentition, 7; removable partial denture for unilateral free-end dentition, 7; upper or lower single complete denture and the natural dentition on the opposite side, 5; complete edentulism with complete denture wearing, 5; natural dentition, 7.
In the present study, total occlusal force, the occlusal force support rate of the rehabilitation area, the change of occlusal forces on the teeth nearest the edentulous area, and the asymmetry index were evaluated, and the results were as follows:
1. Both the total occlusal force and the occlusal force support rate of the implant prosthesis were superior to the removable partial denture.
2. The occlusal force on the teeth nearest the edentulous area was increased with the removable partial denture, while the implant-retained prosthesis decreased.
3. The implant-retained prosthesis showed more symmetrical occlusal force than the removable partial denture.
In summary, it was suggested that the implant-retained prosthesis is more suitable than a removable partial denture to obtain the appropriate occlusal force and to protect the residual teeth.
