Variables Affecting Peri-Implant Radiographic Bone Loss-8-23 Years Follow-Up

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate factors associated with long-term peri-implant bone-loss and to create a statistical model explaining bone-loss. The dental records in a private periodontal practice were screened for implant-patients with a minimal follow-up period of 8 years with periapical radiographs at implant-placement (T0) and last follow-up (Tf). Collected data included demographics, general health, medications, periodontal parameters, implant parameters, bone augmentation procedures, restoration and antagonist data, number of supportive periodontal appointments (SPT), and radiographic bone-loss between T0 and Tf. Bivariate and Mixed Logistic Regression analyses were performed. “Goodness-of-fit” of the model was elaborated with Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) analyses. Thirty-seven patients receiving 142 implants were included. Mean clinical follow-up period was 11.7 ± 3.7 years (range 8–23). Most implants 64.4% were SPT-maintained more than twice a year. Patients with osteoporosis and smokers were prone to increased radiographic peri-implant bone-loss. External-hex implants placed without guided bone regeneration (GBR) and implants 10–12 mm long and diameter of 3.7–4 mm showed less peri-implant bone-loss. The model’s Area Under the Curve (AUC) was 76.9% (Standard Error 4.6%, CI 67.8%–86%).