The linking of a Brånemark implant to a natural tooth

Abstract

The introduction of a safe, reliable and predictable implant system for dental reconstruction by Professor Per-lngvar Branemark has seen an explosion in the number of patients receiving implant therapy to restore complete and partial edentulism.

The reconstruction of partial edentulism may require the linking of the implant to a natural tooth. This study was carried out to investigate the relative mobility of the natural tooth and a Branemark implant, and to determine the feasibility of linking these two elements by means of a fixed prosthesis.

The mobility of natural teeth is well documented. However, the mobility and flexibility of a Branemark osseointegrated implant is unknown. Short, medium and long implant abutments were attached to a fixture and placed under load and the deflection of the implant measured. A three-unit bridge linked to a fixture with short, medium and long abutment lengths was also examined.

The results indicate that the inherent flexibility of the fixture and abutment system provides the possibility for linkage of the Branemark implant and the natural tooth.