Mechanical behavior and masticatory activity when IMZ implants are splinted to natural teeth

Abstract

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. Muscle activity of 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 super-structures, although they were stable after placement. These findings suggest that splinting IMZ implants to natural teeth poses little risk mechanically and functionally. Shika Igaku (J Osaka Odontol Soc) 1996 Jun; 59(2): 202-220.