Correlation between implant stability quotient and bone-implant contact: a retrospective histological and histomorphometrical study of seven titanium implants retrieved from humans.
BACKGROUND
Primary stability has a relevant role in the long-term success of dental implants. A quantitative method for the measurement of implant stability has been introduced (resonance frequency analysis [RFA]). Information about the significance of RFA measurements and about the relationship between RFA values and their association with implant osseointegration, success, or failure is important from a clinical point of view.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present histological and histomorphometric study was to see if a correlation existed between the bone-implant contact (BIC) percentage of retrieved human implants and RFA values.


METHODS
Seven implants inserted in the posterior mandible, with a sandblasted and acid-etched surface and retrieved after a 6-month period, were evaluated in the present study. These seven implants had been retrieved for different causes. All these implants were submerged and were retrieved with a 5-mm trephine bur and immersed in 10% buffered formalin to be processed for histology.


RESULTS
A statistically significant correlation could be detected between implant stability quotient and BIC (p=.016).


CONCLUSIONS
Even if the relationship between bone structure and RFA is still not fully understood, in our study, a statistically significant correlation was found between RFA and BIC values. Further studies are needed to evaluate a correlation of RFA and BIC in human implants retrieved after a range of healing periods.
Scarano
Antonio
A
Researcher, Dental School, University of Chieti, Pescara, Italy.
Degidi
Marco
M
Iezzi
Giovanna
G
Petrone
Giovanna
G
Piattelli
Adriano
A
D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D015921:Dental Implants; D017268:Dental Prosthesis Retention; D020878:Device Removal; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible; D016348:Osseointegration; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014025:Titanium; D014732:Vibration
D015921:Dental Implants; D014025:Titanium