What is a disadvantage of splinting multiple dental implants?

The answer highlights a key disadvantage of splinting multiple dental implants, which is that when multiple implants are splinted together, it can complicate oral hygiene practices for the patient. Specifically, the close placement of the implants and the splinting itself can make it difficult for patients to effectively floss between them. Proper oral hygiene is crucial to the longevity of dental implants, as it helps prevent complications such as peri-implantitis and other related issues. With splinted implants, the access for cleaning interproximally is often limited, resulting in a higher chance of plaque accumulation and, consequently, potential failure of the implants.

The other choices represent considerations that, while relevant to dental implant design and function, do not highlight a disadvantage in the same context. For instance, reducing occlusal load on individual implants may be perceived as a benefit, fostering the longevity of each fixture. Similarly, simplifying the passive fit of porcelain contacts can enhance aesthetic quality and align with proper function, while reducing screw loosening is typically an advantage of a splinted design. Therefore, the challenge of maintaining optimal oral hygiene stands out as a distinct disadvantage.