Clinical characteristics at implants with a history of progressive bone loss.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical characteristics at implants with a history of progressive bone loss.


METHODS
Eighty-two out of 184 previously identified subjects with a history of progressive bone loss volunteered for the study. Clinical assessments of plaque, bleeding on probing (BoP), probing pocket depth (PPD), suppuration following probing (Pus), presence of calculus on implants surfaces (Calc) and 'recession' i.e. the mucosal margin in level with or apical of the fixture/abutment junction were performed at the mesial, distal, buccal and lingual aspects of each implant and without removing the bridge constructions.


RESULTS
It was demonstrated that the frequencies of BoP, Pus, 'recession' and PPD > or = 6 mm were higher at implants with than without 'progressive' bone loss. In addition, smokers had larger numbers of affected implants than non-smokers, and the proportion of affected implants that exhibited Pus and PPD > or = 6 mm was higher in smokers than in non-smokers. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the findings of Pus, 'recession' and PPD > or = 6 mm at an implant in a smoking subject had a 69% accuracy in identifying the history of progressive bone loss.


CONCLUSIONS
The results from this study demonstrate an association between clinical signs of pathology and bone loss at implants. It is recommended to include clinical assessments in the evaluation of implant therapy.
Fransson
Christer
C
Department of Periodontology and The Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. fransson@odontologi.gu.se
Wennström
Jan
J
Berglundh
Tord
T
D000368:Aged; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015921:Dental Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D008439:Maxillary Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects
D015921:Dental Implants