Retrospective long-term evaluation of dental implants in totally and partially edentulous patients. Part I: survival and marginal bone loss.

PURPOSE

This retrospective longitudinal study aims to assess long-term outcomes of osseointegrated dental implants in partially and totally edentulous patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients willing to sign the informed consent and attend a check-up were included. Implant failures were recorded, and marginal bone level and bone loss were evaluated on intraoral radiographs. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were conducted to determine the influence of various factors. Complications and patient satisfaction were recorded.

RESULTS

One hundred five patients who received 342 implants were included. Mean follow-up was 13.19 ± 3.70 years. 9.4% of implants were lost, and 78.1% of patients retained all implants placed. Mean marginal bone loss was 0.77 ± 1.10 mm, being greater than 3 mm in 2.5% of analyzed implants. Factors with possible influence on implant survival and marginal bone loss were smoking, osteopenia or osteoporosis, check-up frequency, implant surface, length and position, and type of prosthesis. 24.8% of patients remained free of complications. Patient satisfaction was high.

CONCLUSIONS

In our sample, which included both totally and partially edentulous patients, long-term implant survival was more than 90% with a mean marginal bone loss of 0.77 mm and an implant survival at patient level of 78%; patient satisfaction was high despite the fact that complications were frequent.