title: Change in masticatory ability with the implant restoration of second molars.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Controversy exists as to whether missing second molars should be replaced to restore masticatory ability.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to analyze the alteration in masticatory ability associated with the implant restoration of the second molar; the subjective effect of implant treatment on the participant was also assessed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-one individuals (13 men and 8 women) participated. Masticatory ability was recorded before the cementation of implant-supported single crowns, immediately after cementation, and 1 month after cementation. The occlusal load (Pa), the load-bearing contact area (mm(2)), and the maximum occlusal force (N) were calculated. A subjective evaluation of masticatory ability was conducted before treatment and 1 month after treatment through the use of a questionnaire to evaluate chewing difficulties and global satisfaction with treatment. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze the difference in scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The load-bearing contact area, maximum occlusal force, and participant satisfaction were found to increase significantly 1 month after the cementation of implant-supported single crowns. The restoration of the second molar with an implant increased both objective masticatory ability and subjective satisfaction 1 month after cementation of the implant-supported single crowns.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients presenting with a missing second molar may benefit from replacement with implant-supported crowns. Longer study periods and larger sample populations are needed to obtain more definitive results.
authors: Resident, Department of Periodontology, Gangnam Severance Dental Hospital, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Dae-Ho
authors: DH
authors: Nam
authors: Assistant Professor, Department of Periodontology, Gangnam Severance Dental Hospital, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Dong-Won
authors: DW
authors: Lee
authors: Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Gangnam Severance Dental Hospital, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Chooryung J
authors: CJ
authors: Chung
authors: Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Gangnam Severance Dental Hospital, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Kyung-Ho
authors: KH
authors: Kim
authors: Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Gangnam Severance Dental Hospital, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Kwang-Ho
authors: KH
authors: Park
authors: Professor, Department of Periodontology, Gangnam Severance Dental Hospital, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. Electronic address: ismoon@yuhs.ac.
authors: Ik-Sang
authors: IS
authors: Moon
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001732:Bite Force; D002484:Cementation / Q000379:methods; D003442:Crowns / Q000523:psychology; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth / Q000523:psychology; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported / Q000523:psychology; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007574:Jaw Relation Record / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome