A torque-measuring micromotor provides operator independent measurements marking four different density areas in maxillae.
OBJECTIVE
Bone density at implant placement site is a key factor to obtain the primary stability of the fixture, which, in turn, is a prognostic factor for osseointegration and long-term success of an implant supported rehabilitation. Recently, an implant motor with a bone density measurement probe has been introduced. The aim of the present study was to test the objectiveness of the bone densities registered by the implant motor regardless of the operator performing them.


METHODS
A total of 3704 bone density measurements, performed by means of the implant motor, were registered by 39 operators at different implant sites during routine activity. Bone density measurements were grouped according to their distribution across the jaws. Specifically, four different areas were distinguished: a pre-antral (between teeth from first right maxillary premolar to first left maxillary premolar) and a sub-antral (more distally) zone in the maxilla, and an interforaminal (between and including teeth from first left mandibular premolar to first right mandibular premolar) and a retroforaminal (more distally) zone in the lower one. A statistical comparison was performed to check the inter-operators variability of the collected data.


RESULTS
The device produced consistent and operator-independent bone density values at each tooth position, showing a reliable bone-density measurement.


CONCLUSIONS
The implant motor demonstrated to be a helpful tool to properly plan implant placement and loading irrespective of the operator using it.
Department of Dentistry, Vita e Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy and Private Practitioner, Milan Italy.
Danilo Alessio
DA
Di Stefano
Private Practitioner, Vimercate, Italy.
Paolo
P
Arosio
Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
Adriano
A
Piattelli
Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
Vittoria
V
Perrotti
Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
Giovanna
G
Iezzi
Bone density; Immediate dental implant loading; Osseointegration