Factors affecting late implant bone loss: a retrospective analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Prevention of late implant bone loss is a critical component in long-term success of implants. The aim of the present study was to evaluate factors affecting late implant bone loss.


METHODS
Three hundred thirty-nine endosseous root-form dental implants placed between April 1981 and April 2002 in 69 patients were analyzed. The implants were categorized based on the following factors: (1) surface characteristics (smooth versus rough), (2) length (short [< 10 mm] versus long [> or = 10 mm]), width (narrow [< 3.75 mm], regular [3.75 to 4.0 mm], or wide [> 4.0 mm]), (3) the amount of keratinized mucosa (< or > or = 2 mm), (4) location (anterior versus posterior; maxilla versus mandible), (5) type of prosthesis (fixed versus removable), and (6) type of opposing dentition. The effects of these factors on clinical parameters, especially average annual bone loss (ABL), were evaluated clinically and radiographically by a blinded examiner. The parameters evaluated were modified Plaque Index, Gingival Index, modified Bleeding Index, probing depth, and ABL.


RESULTS
Shorter implants, wider implants, implants supporting fixed prostheses, and implants in smokers were found to be associated with greater ABL (P < .05). The random intercept mixed effects model showed that implant length was the most critical factor for maintenance of ABL.


CONCLUSIONS
Shorter implants, wider implants, implants supporting fixed prostheses, and implants in smokers were associated with greater ABL. Implant length was the most significant factor in the maintenance of dental implants. Randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm the results obtained from this retrospective clinical study.
Chung
Dyeus M
DM
Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-1078, USA.
Oh
Tae-Ju
TJ
Lee
Jungwha
J
Misch
Carl E
CE
Wang
Hom-Lay
HL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology*; D015921:Dental Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003779:Denture Design; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000145:classification; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000145:classification; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013499:Surface Properties
D015921:Dental Implants