Biomechanical stability and monitoring technologies of implant-supported prosthetic components.

BACKGROUND

Mechanical stability is a critical factor for the long-term success of implant-supported rehabilitations. The maintenance of preload within the implant-abutment complex plays a fundamental role in preventing prosthetic complications, particularly screw loosening and loss of joint stability. Advances in monitoring technologies, including ultrasonic methods, piezoelectric sensors, and electromechanical impedance techniques, have introduced new possibilities for the early detection of biomechanical alterations in implant-supported prosthetic components.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A structured narrative review was performed through comprehensive literature searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and SciELO databases. The retrieved literature was critically analyzed according to biomechanical principles, preload maintenance, screw loosening mechanisms and emerging monitoring technologies.

RESULTS

The reviewed studies demonstrated that preload maintenance is essential for the biomechanical stability and longevity of implant-supported rehabilitations. Prosthetic screw loosening was identified as a prevalent mechanical complication, especially under cyclic and non-axial loading conditions. Internal conical and Morse taper connections generally showed improved preload maintenance compared with external hexagon systems. Additionally, ultrasonic monitoring, piezoelectric sensors, and electromechanical impedance methods demonstrated potential for early detection of preload loss and biomechanical instability. Although promising, most monitoring technologies remain limited to experimental investigations.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical stability in implant-supported rehabilitations is strongly associated with preload preservation and implant-abutment integrity. Advanced monitoring technologies show promising potential for improving the early diagnosis of biomechanical instability; however, further prospective clinical studies are required before routine clinical implementation can be recommended.