Peri-implant mucosal aspects of ITI implants supporting overdentures. A five-year longitudinal study.
Sixty-six ITI implants placed in the mandible of 33 edentulous elderly patients (mean age: 69 years) were observed longitudinally for 5 years. The implants served as overdenture anchorage either by means of a connecting bar or single spherical attachments. During the study period, 2 implants failed (one because of a peri-implant lesion and one because of a fracture) and had to be removed. At the beginning of the study, all implants were osseointegrated and had successfully been in function for 3-5 months. Oral hygiene practices and the peri-implant mucosal status were assessed according to the criteria of conventional periodontal parameters. Approximately 50% of the implants had been installed into lining mucosa and hence were to surrounded by keratinized mucosa. The peri-implant mucosal tissue was maintained healthy during the whole observation period, and no or only minimal loss of attachment was observed. The probing depths averaged approximately 3 mm. At the end of the study, orthopantomographic radiographs were obtained from all patients to assess the peri-implant bony structures. Small local angular bony defects were detected on 16 implants (22%) in 12 patients. Slightly increased probing depths were observed when angular bony defects were present. Loss of attachment was significantly less frequent when the implants had been placed following a prolonged period of edentulousness (> 5 years). This study demonstrated that advanced age, reduced dexterity of elderly patients and environmental conditions of overdentures do not represent a higher risk for the development of peri-implant lesions.
Mericske-Stern
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R
Department of Removable Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Berne, Switzerland.
Steinlin Schaffner
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T
Marti
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P
Geering
A H
AH
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000209:etiology; D015921:Dental Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D003828:Denture, Overlay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology*; D009066:Mouth, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000209:etiology; D010512:Periodontal Index; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015921:Dental Implants