Proximal contact loss between an adjacent natural tooth and fixed implant prosthesis can be experienced during treatment, especially in the case of posterior prostheses following implant placement. Since the implant prostheses are fixed in the jaw bone, contact loss is most likely caused by mesial migration of the anterior adjacent tooth. It could be considered that there is some reason beyond the natural mesial drift after implant prostheses delivery, since contact loss is not often observed in the natural dental arch. Food impaction caused by proximal contact loss frequently leads to patient discomfort and periodontal disease.
According to Hua Wei(2008), occlusal force distribution, periodontal status, and masticatory habits affect proximal contact loss between the adjacent natural tooth and the fixed implant prosthesis.
This study examined the records of patients who received implant treatment at the Department of Prosthodontics in Kangnam Severance Hospital. The ratio, period, and area of proximal contact loss were evaluated.ope
