Dental implants survival rate in controlled type I diabetic patients: a prospective longitudinal study with a 2-year follow-up.

The aim of the study was to evaluate implant treatment for partial edentulism in a population of controlled type I diabetic patients. The research hypothesis was that implant survival rate, prevalence of peri-implant tissue infection and marginal bone loss at 2 years follow-up would not differ from a non diabetic population. A total of 106 patients (47=women, 59=men, mean age 38.36 years) presented with partially edentulous jaws. All patients underwent a two stage implant surgery (105 maxillary, 100 mandibular). Diabetic type I patients (53) were scheduled in Group A, while 53 healthy patients formed the Control Group. Clinical and radiological controls were performed from baseline up to 24 months and implants survival rate, presence of peri-implant tissue infections and marginal bone loss were assessed in all ptients. Group A and Control Group were compared by analyzing data at implant level, through either an independent sample t-test, with respect to bone loss, or Fisher Exact tests, with respect to (a) peri-implant mucositis, (b) peri-implantitis, and (c) post-operative wound infection. At the 24-month follow-up, 5 and 3 implants failed in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found in implant survival rate between the two groups (Group A: 95.19%; Control Group: 97.03%). Moreover, no statistical significant differences were found in infections occurrence, nor in marginal bone loss. The preliminary results of this prospective study showed how implant treatment for partial edentulism may a be safe and predictable procedure for diabetic type I patients, provided controlled glycemic levels and regular professional oral hygiene sessions.