1995 Volume 58 Issue 6 Pages 487-488
We used the finite element method to compare the mechanical behavior in bone around IMZ implants when the implants were splinted to teeth and when they were free standing. The muscle activity from the masseter, anterior temporal and anterior belly of the digastric muscles was evaluated by electromyographic linear envelops (EMG profiles). Deflection and stresses generated in bone around the implant and on the surface of the implant were less when it was splinted than when not. Regardless of whether the implants and teeth were splinted, EMG profiles of the masticatory muscles varied with each chewing stroke before placement of the superstructures, although they were stable after placement. These findings suggest that splinting IMZ implants to natural teeth poses little risk mechanically and functionally.