Many clinicians believe that occlusal forces placed on implants can have a deleterious effect on their long-term success. In addition to microbiological factors, excessive occlusal loading of dental implants has been implicated in the failure of both materials and implant osseointegration.^1,2 However, controversy exists as to the role of occlusion in the loss of bone following placement of an implant prosthesis.³

This article will review the literature regarding the relationship between microbiological factors and occlusal stress in regard to crestal peri-implant bone loss and will discuss current concepts in the establishment of occlusion when dental implants are restored. A case report will be presented in which control of occlusal forces reversed crestal bone loss associated with a restored implant.