Occlusal consideration for fixed implant prosthesis in mandibular posterior region

Clinical guidelines or definitive criteria for “Occlusal consideration for fixed implant prosthesis in mandibular posterior region” have not been established yet although the dental implant is an essential treatment option for current prosthetic dentistry. This position paper aimed to propose a critical recommendation and consequently indicate a tentative practice guideline. In this paper, the first and second molar missing in the mandible was assumed as the most typical partial edentulous jaw. A panel of clinical experts concerning dental implant practice was selected from the members of the Japan Prosthodontic Society, and a meeting was held to collect clinical data obtained from daily practice and to estimate expert opinions. As a result, general remarks were presented regarding shapes of prostheses, position and number of occlusal contact points, occlusal contact during lateral excursion, displacement of periodontal ligament, and materials of occlusal surface. However, the expert opinions described above have not been supported by clinical evidence. Moreover, neither the effect of those therapies nor long-term prognosis has been thoroughly investigated. Thus, further study for collecting the clinical evidences is required to formulate the clinical guideline.