Bone height measurements around a dental implant after a 6-month space flight: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
In space, astronauts are subject to microgravity, which reduces skeletal loading and osteoblast function and can cause bone resorption and a decrease in bone density. No known research to date has studied the effect of microgravity on dental implants. This study evaluated peri-implant bone changes around a dental implant placed in a French astronaut who spent 6 months in Russia's Mir Space Station.


METHODS
Measurements were performed by 2 examiners before the flight (baseline), after the flight (stage 1), and following a recovery period (stage 2). Standardized periapical radiographs were taken, and data were recorded using a photomicroscope and a measuring scale.


RESULTS
Cumulatively, the implant sustained 0.43 mm of mesial bone gain and 0.31 mm of distal bone loss.


CONCLUSIONS
The observed peri-implant bone height changes were within normal limits and the implant appeared very stable during the course of this study.


CONCLUSIONS
Peri-implant bone levels remained stable after 6 months in microgravity, and the implant continued to function without complications.
Haigneré
Claire
C
claire.haignere@ifrance.com
Jonas
Pierre
P
Khayat
Philippe
P
Girot
Gérard
G
D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018480:Astronauts; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D006801:Humans; D018472:Hypogravity / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013026:Space Flight