Resonance frequency analysis of dental implant stability during the healing period.

PURPOSE

The objective of the present study was to measure the implant stability quotient (ISQ) values during the osseointegration period, and determine the factors that affect implant stability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To measure implant stability, resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed in 24 patients (12 women, 12 men) with a total 64 Defcon implants (10 anterior maxilla, 12 posterior maxilla, 18 anterior mandible, 24 posterior mandible). Bone type was classified according to the Lekholm and Zarb index (52 type II bone, 12 type III). RFA was used for direct measurement of implant stability on the day of implant placement and consecutively once a week for 8 weeks and at week 10.

RESULTS

The mean ISQ of all measured implants was 62.6. The lowest mean stability measurement was at 4 weeks for all bone types (60.9). Gender was found to be significant (p<0.05); women showed higher implant stability than men. In relation to location within the dental arch, statistical analysis showed higher ISQ values for anterior implants than posterior fixtures (p<0.05).