Issues and considerations in dental implant occlusion: what do we know, and what do we need to find out?

Implant dentistry continues to struggle with what are the appropriate occlusal concept(s) for implant-supported restorations. The biological and mechanical consequences of the loading environment leads to establishing and maintaining an implant interface in a wide variety of bone quality and quantity, implant and prosthesis designs. To the restorative dentist, the role of occlusion is more focused on extending the service life of the restoration and the connecting abutment(s) than protecting the osseous integration of the implant(s). This study reviews the relevant issues regarding implant occlusion along with implant and prosthesis design in order to provide optimal patient care.