A 10-year prospective study of ITI dental implants placed in the posterior region. I: Clinical and radiographic results

Objectives: To evaluate the long-term fixture success rate, crestal bone loss and periimplant soft tissue parameters around ITI dental implants placed in the posterior region of partially edentulous patients. Material and methods: A total of 192 ITI dental implants were consecutively placed in premolars and molars of 83 partially edentulous patients admitted for treatment at Geneva Dental School. All implants were restored by means of ceramic-to-metal fused fixed partial dentures and single crowns. Patients were followed as part of a prospective longitudinal study focusing on implant success. Surgical, radiographic and clinical variables were collected at the 1-year recall after implant placement and at the most recent clinical evaluation. Results: The mean observation time was 6 years (range 5-10 years). Four implants failed, yielding a 10-year cumulative survival rate of 97.9%. The mean annual crestal bone loss was - 0.04 +/- 0.2 mm. Hollow-cylinder implants displayed more crestal bone loss (- 0.13 +/- 0.24 mm) than hollow-screw implants (- 0.02 +/- 0.19 mm; P = 0.032). Clinical parameters such as age, gender, implant length and bone quality did not affect crestal bone levels. Increase in recession depth (P = 0.025) and attachment level (P = 0.011) were significantly associated with crestal bone loss. Conclusions: ITI dental implants placed in the posterior jaw demonstrate excellent long-term clinical success. Hollow-cylinder implants seem to display a higher risk for crestal bone loss. Recession depth and attachment levels appear to be good clinical indicators of periimplant bone loss.