Radiographic changes of trabecular bone density after loading of implant-supported complete dentures: A 3-year prospective study.

BACKGROUND

Bone tissues may undergo remodeling under functional mechanical stimuli.

PURPOSE

This prospective study on implant-supported fixed complete dentures (IFCDs) evaluated the radiographic trabecular bone changes in density by means of gray levels and texture analysis variables after up to 3-year loading.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sample consisted of digital periapical radiographs of 63 distal implants of hybrid IFCDs installed in 30 patients (22 women, mean age of 62 ± 7.8 years). Digital periapical radiographs were taken after prosthesis installation, and 1 and 3 years after IFCD loading. Longitudinal images of each implant were superimposed, and the same regions of interest were selected for measurement of gray levels statistics (mean gray levels, SD, and coefficient of variation [CV]) and texture parameters (correlation, contrast, entropy, and angular second moment). Data were analyzed by mixed regression models.

RESULTS

Mean gray levels increased for 1 year (P < .05), for 3 years (P < .01) and for maximum bite force (P < .01). The interaction between bruxism and time in 1 year was significant (P < .01) for a decrease in CV. No significant effect of texture analysis variables was found (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest an increase of radiographic bone density as measured by an increase in mean gray levels and a decrease in CV in IFCD distal implants up to 3 years of loading.