Objective
Problems associated with perrnucosal fixation of oral prostheses, using osseointegrated implants, are mainly found in the ageing population. Standard practice is to fit prostheses onto supporting implants after a period of unloaded healing. One-stage placement of implants and immediate loading are slowly emerging in the clinical field. Functional and social benefits for patients are evident: they can return earlier to normal function. The scientific rationale behind this new approach is not yet well understood. This project will study the effects of controlled mechanical loading on bone reaction and implant fixation. A combination of animal experiments and CT-image based finite element modelling will provide the scientific basis for a rehabilitation protocol, to be tested in a pilot study on ten patients. A "smart prosthesis" will help the patients cope with limited ooseoperception during the osseointegration period.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
3000 LOUVAIN / LEUVEN
Belgium