The clinical success and longevity of endosteal dental implants are controlled, in a large part, by the mechanical milieu within which they function. The occlusion is a critical component of such a mechanical environment.

Occlusion is not defined solely as the nature of occlusal contact between opposing teeth but more broadly refers to the dynamic relation between the teeth, the neuromuscular system, the TMJ and their interactive relationship on the craniofacial environment. "Implant protected occlusion" refer to an occlusal scheme that is often uniquely specific to the restoration of endosteal implant prosthesis.

There are various considerations for following the implant protected occlusion (IPO) scheme that should be judiciously implemented before restoration which are as follows: elimination of premature occlusal contacts, mutually protected articulation, controlling the occlusal table width, provision of adequate surface area to sustain load transmitted to the prosthesis, implant body orientation, influence of load direction, timing of loading, parafunctional activity, occlusal material, implant crown contour , design of the prosthesis should favour the weakest arch. .