Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to determine bone level changes after 5–6 years of follow-up for a large group of one-stage dental implants consecutively placed in private practice. Potential confounding factors influencing crestal bone loss (CBL) were also assessed.
Materials and methods: A total of 378 transmucosal Straumann® implants in 174 patients were examined radiographically. Half of the study population (189 implants) had a titanium plasma sprayed (TPS) surface, and the other half (189 implants) were sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA). Mean CBL was measured from 5 to 6 years post-operative radiographs on the basis of known implant landmarks. Correlations of increased CBL with various independent variables were also investigated. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized estimating equations.
Results: Radiographic measurements showed a CBL 1.5 mm for 65% of studied implants. A CBL > 1.5 mm was found for 28% of implants, while 7% of implants had a CBL 3 mm. Three factors significantly influenced CBL (P < 0.05): implant surface texture (TPS > SLA), smoking status (smokers > non-smokers), and implant location (anterior > posterior).
Conclusions: CBL was 1.5 mm after 5–6 years for the majority of followed implants. For implants with a CBL > 1.5 mm, statistically significant correlations were found for TPS surface type, anterior jaw locations, and smoking. Implant length did not influence CBL.
Keywords: bone–implant interaction, clinical research, crestal bone loss, dental implants, implant location, implant surface, private practice, rough surface, short implants, sandblasted and acid-etched, smoking, success rate, titanium plasma sprayed.