Analysis of the possibility of the relationship between various implant-related measures: an 18-month follow-up study.

Better clarification of the long-term relationship among the various implant-related measures could improve the evaluation process for dental implants. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the potential correlations among the volumetric features and nitric oxide content of peri-implant sulcus fluid (PISF) and measures of implant stability, and the marginal bone loss. Completely edentulous patients (n=15) treated with dental implants and ball attachment mandibular over dentures were included. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA), marginal bone level measurements, PISF volume and spectrophotometrically determined nitrite levels were recorded for all dental implant sites. Measures for early (n=16) and delayed (n=14) loaded dental implants were comparatively analysed for a period of 18 months. Some random correlations between PISF volume and marginal bone level, PISF nitrite level and marginal bone level and PISF volume and PISF nitrite content, and RFA and PISF volume were observed. However, the only constant correlation was noticed between implant stability (RFA scores) and marginal bone level. This correlation was negative and significant for all dental implants and for delayed loaded implants (P<0.05). The pattern of loading seemed to affect the extent, but not the pattern of this relationship. While some of the implant-related measures may be strongly associated (e.g. dental implant stability and marginal bone level), not all measures from a single implant site are likely to be related. Such associations may be under the influence of a variety of factors including the loading protocol of dental implants.