Clinical and radiographic assessment of implant-supported rehabilitation of partial and complete edentulism: a 2 to 8 years clinical follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to find out the rates of survival and success of implant rehabilitation, and the influence of some risk indicators on the medium- and long-term prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of the 102 patients eligible for this study rehabilitated with dental implants during the years 2009-2015, 75 patients with 156 implants of different implant systems placed and loaded by the same team were recalled. For each subject, pocket-probing depth, bleeding on probing, plaque buildup, mobility of the fixtures, and the presence/absence of prosthetic complications were recorded. Radiographic evaluation was based on the analysis of bone levels around the fixtures, as shown by intraoral radiographs.

RESULTS: The average follow-up was 4.4 years, ranging from 1.5 to 7.8 years. One hundred and fifty-four of the implants survived, while two implants failed; 98.8% of the prostheses survived, while 75.9% were successful. Success was achieved in 90.4% of implants and in 80% of patients. The sample showed average radiographic bone resorption of 1.09 mm. The average pocket probing depth was 2.79 mm. Bleeding on probing was found in 18% of all sites, and 59.6% of implants showed bleeding on probing in at least one site. Mucositis was found in 90% of patients, and peri-implantitis was found in 16% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS: The rates of success and survival showed the reliability of implant therapy. Plaque accumulation, smoking and upper jaw location, seem to increase the risk of failure of implant-supported rehabilitation.