Tooth intrusion in implant-assisted prostheses.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Numerous reports and surveys have been published on natural tooth abutment intrusion with implant-connected fixed partial dentures. The consensus of these publications was that the cause of intrusion was multifactorial, with causative factors such as disuse atrophy, debris impaction, impaired rebound memory, and mechanical binding. It was also believed that the process was irreversible.
PURPOSE: In this article, the limitations with these theories are discussed, and two patient reports of tooth intrusion reversal are reviewed. A review of the current literature is discussed, as well as the current theory of tooth movement in response to dynamic mechanical stimulus, a brief discussion of current experimental procedures and results, and the current recommendations for reversal of intrusion.