Occlusal Changes Following Single Dental Implant Placement in the Posterior Region of Jaws: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Inserting a single implant in the posterior region is one of the most common procedures for replacing a missing posterior tooth. However, the impact of implant location on bite force distribution and occlusal forces remains unclear. To investigate the occlusal changes following single-implant crown placements in the posterior region, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. A comprehensive search was performed across seven databases using Boolean operators and MeSH keywords. The study adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure transparency and minimize bias. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that single-implant crown placements significantly alter the distribution of bite and occlusal forces over time. The mean differences (MDs) in relative occlusal forces (ROF, μm) between implants and controls at two weeks, three months, six months, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months were -6.31 μm, -1.53 μm, -2.09 μm, -0.10 μm, 2.91 μm, and 7.01 μm, respectively. The overall effect of the meta-analysis was -0.71 μm, although this was not statistically significant (P = 0.54). Subgroup analysis showed considerable heterogeneity between different time periods (P < 0.00001, I² = 89.8%). Additionally, a significant increase in the distribution of bite force (N) was observed post-implantation, with an MD of 1.00 N (0.86, 1.15) and high statistical significance (P < 0.00001). These findings indicate that single-implant crown placement in the posterior region leads to significant shifts in the distribution of both biting forces (N) and ROF (μm) over time.