Which factor is considered the most harmful form of occlusal trauma in implants?

Bruxism is identified as the most harmful form of occlusal trauma in implants because it involves involuntary grinding and clenching of the teeth, which can produce significant and repetitive forces on the dental implants. This condition not only applies excessive stress on the implants but can also lead to bone resorption around the implant site, impairing its stability and longevity. The consistent pressure from bruxism may compromise the osseointegration process, which is crucial for the success of dental implants.

In contrast, severe clenching, while also a significant concern, generally differs in its force application compared to bruxism. The effects might be severe, but bruxism’s cyclical nature often exacerbates issues related to implant durability.

Shallow condylar inclination and shallow FMA (Frankfort-Mandibular Plane Angle) angle pertain more to the anatomical aspects of jaw function and movement rather than direct trauma from occlusion forces on implants. While they can influence bite dynamics, they do not pose the same immediate and sustained impact on implants as the habitual forces generated through bruxism. Therefore, bruxism emerges as the more detrimental factor contributing to occlusal trauma in implants.