Impact of implant location on load distribution of implant-assisted removable partial dentures: a review of in vitro model and finite-element analysis studies

BACKGROUND: Appropriate load distribution among the supporting elements is essential for the long-term success of implant-assisted removable partial dentures; however, there is little information available on load distribution. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of implant location on load distribution in implant-assisted removable partial dentures by reviewing in vitro models and finite-element analysis studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: English-language studies which examined the load distribution of implant-assisted removable partial dentures and were published between January 2001 and October 2022 were extracted from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus online databases, and manual searching. Two reviewers selected the articles based on the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by data extraction and analysis. RESULTS: Forty-seven studies were selected after evaluating the titles and abstracts of 264 articles; two were identified manually. After screening the text, 12 studies were included: six in vitro model experiments and six finite-element analysis studies. All included studies used a mandibular free-end missing model (Kennedy Class I or II). The influence of implant location on load distribution to the abutment tooth, implant, and mucosa under the denture base was summarized in three cases: implant at the premolar, first molar, and second molar region. Due to differences in the measurement method of load distribution and loading condition to the denture, the results differed among the studies. CONCLUSIONS: The implant location in implant-assisted removable partial dentures can affect load distribution to the supporting elements, such as the abutment tooth, implant, and mucosa under the denture base. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40729-023-00500-3.