Comparison of implant stability by means of resonance frequency analysis for flapless and conventionally inserted implants

Background: Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) is a noninvasive technique for the quantitative assessment of implant stability. Information on the implant stability quotient (ISQ) of transmucosally inserted implants is limited. Purpose: The aim of this investigation was to compare the ISQ of conventionally inserted implants by raising a muco‐periostal flap with implants inserted using a flapless procedure. Materials and Methods: Forty elderly patients with complete edentulous maxilla were consecutively admitted for treatment with implant‐supported prostheses. A computer tomography was obtained for the computer‐assisted implant planning. One hundred ten implants were placed conventionally in 23 patients (flap‐group) and 85 implants in 17 patients by means of the flapless method (flapless‐group) using a stereolithographic template. RFA measurements were performed after implant placement (baseline) and after a healing time of 12 weeks (reentry). Results: All implants exhibited clinically and radiographically successful osseointegration. Bone level did not change significantly neither for genders nor type of surgical protocol. Mean ISQ values of the flapless‐group were significantly higher at baseline (p < .001) and at reentry (p < .001) compared with the flap‐group. The ISQ values were significantly lower at reentry compared with baseline for the flap‐group (p = .028) but not for the flapless‐group. This group showed a moderate, but insignificant increase. RFA measurements of males resulted in ISQ values that were thoroughly higher as compared with females at both time‐points in both groups. Correlation between RFA and bone level was not found. Conclusions: The flapless procedure showed favorable conditions with regard to implant stability and crestal bone level. Some changes of the ISQ values that represent primary (mechanical) and secondary (bone remodeling) implant stability were observed in slight favor of the flapless method and male patients. In properly planned and well‐selected cases, the minimal invasive transmucosal technique using a drill‐guide is a safe procedure.     

Role of Clinician's Experience and Implant Design on Implant Stability. An Ex Vivo Study in Artificial Soft Bones

Objectives: Clinical experience in implant placement is important in order to prevent implant failures. However, the implant design affects the primary implant stability (PS) especially in poor quality bones. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of clinician surgical experience on PS, when placing different type of implant designs. Methods: A total of 180 implants (90 parallel walled‐P and 90 tapered‐T) were placed in freshly slaughtered cow ribs. Bone quality was evaluated by two examiners during surgery and considered as ‘type IV’ bone. Implants (ø 5 mm, length: 15 mm, Osseotite, BIOMET 3i, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA) were placed by three different clinicians (master/I, good/II, non‐experienced/III, under direct supervision of a manufacturer representative; 30 implants/group). An independent observer assessed the accuracy of placement by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) with implant stability quotient (ISQ) values. Two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test were used to detect the surgical experience of the clinicians and their interaction and effects of implant design on the PS. Results: All implants were mechanically stable. The mean ISQ values were: 49.57(± 18.49) for the P‐implants and 67.07(± 8.79) for the T‐implants. The two‐way ANOVA showed significant effects of implant design (p < .0001), clinician (p < .0001), and their interaction (p < .0001). The Tukey's multiple comparison test showed significant differences in RFA for the clinician group I/II (p = .015) and highly significant (p < .0001) between I/III and II/III. The P‐implants presented (for I, II, and III) mean ISQ values 31.25/49.18/68.17 and the T‐implants showed higher ISQ values, 70.15/62.08/68.98, respectively. Clinicians I and II did not show extreme differences for T‐implants (p = .016). In contrast, clinician III achieved high ISQ values using P‐ and T‐implants following the exact surgical protocol based on the manufacturer guidelines. T‐implants provided high stability for experienced clinicians compared with P‐implants. Conclusion: T‐implants achieved greater PS than the P‐implants. All clinicians consistently achieved PS; however, experienced clinicians achieved higher ISQ values with T‐implants in poor quality bone.     

Influence of factors related to implant stability detected by wireless resonance frequency analysis device

Summary Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was introduced as a method for measuring implant stability more than a decade ago. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values obtained using a recently introduced wireless RFA device have made it possible to evaluate stability in a non‐invasive technique; however, there are few studies of the factors that affect ISQ values determined using this device. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between ISQ values determined by wireless RFA and various factors related to dental implant stability using a pig cortical bone model. Dental implants (Replace^® Select Tapered implants) with a length of 10 mm were placed into pig cortical bone samples, then, ISQ values were determined using wireless RFA under various conditions (probe orientation, diameter of implant, insertion torque and peri‐implant bone loss). The results of this study showed that ISQ values were not affected by the direction of the probe from parallel to perpendicular to the long axis of the pig bone or to the smart peg. In addition, the diameter of the implant did not have a significant effect on the measured ISQ values. Statistically significant correlations were found between insertion torque and ISQ values (Spearman’s test, P < 0·05), and lower ISQ values were observed for deeper peri‐implant vertical defects (Mann–Whitney U‐test, P < 0·05). A wireless RFA device appears to be useful for measuring implant stability within the limits of the present in vitro study.     

Stability measurements of osseointegrated implants using Osstell in partially edentulous jaws after 1 year of loading: a pilot study

Background: The introduction of resonance frequency analysis (RFA) as a commercially available technique has made it possible to measure implant stability in implant stability quotient (ISQ) units at any time during the course of implant treatment and loading. However, no information on normal ISQ levels can be found in the literature. Purpose: The aim of this pilot study was to measure the stability of clinically successful implants in partially edentulous patients after 1 year of loading and to study the influence of jaw, anterior/posterior position, implant length, and marginal bone level on implant stability. Materials and Methods: Fourteen partially edentulous patients previously treated with 45 implants were subjected to clinical and radiographie evaluations and RFA measurements using Osstell (Integration Diagnostics, Sävedalen, Sweden) after 1 year of loading. Results: All 45 implants were stable, and implant stability levels were in the range of 57 to 82 ISQ units with a mean of 69 ± 6.5 ISQ after 1 year of loading. Mandibular implants were more stable than were maxillary ones. There were no differences between anterior and posterior implants. No correlation could be found between implant length and stability. Only minor marginal bone resorption was observed. Conclusions: The results from this limited material showed that successfully integrated implants have ISQ levels from 57 to 82 ISQ with a mean of 69 ISQ after 1 year of loading. Mandibular implants are more stable than are maxillary ones. High implant stability can be achieved with short implants and placement in posterior regions.     

亲水性大颗粒喷砂酸蚀表面种植体骨愈合期的共振频率分析及早期负荷临床探讨

目的:应用共振频率分析仪检测Straumann亲水性大颗粒喷砂酸蚀表面(SLActive)种植体骨愈合期内稳定性变化及种植体早期负荷临床探讨。方法:49例患者共计植入68颗Straumann SLActive种植体,分别在植入即刻、术后1、3、6、10、12周测量种植体稳定性,种植体稳定商值(ISQ)>65的种植体于术后6周早期负荷。结果:术后1周ISQ呈小幅增长,术后3周下降至最低,之后逐渐上升。经方差分析在术后12周时ISQ的增长具有显著性差异,其余时点无显著性差异。放射片显示种植体周围边缘骨吸收小于1 mm,术后12周时种植体留存率达100%。种植体颌位对ISQ有显著影响(P<0.05),种植体直径、长度对ISQ无显著影响。结论:Straumann SLAc-tive种植体早期负荷具有较高的临床可预期性,临床中可以显著缩短治疗周期,共振频率分析是监测种植体稳定性变化的有效手段。     

Implant stability in relation to osseointegration: an experimental study in the Labrador dog

Objective: Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) is supposed to determine implant stability. The relation between RFA and the degree of bone-to-implant contact (BIC), however, is unclear. The objective of the present experiment was to evaluate RFA values in relation to osseointegration.
Material and methods: In 20 Labrador dogs, all mandibular premolars were extracted bilaterally. After 3 months, four transmucosal screw-shaped experimental implants were placed in each mandibular premolar region. The implants (12 mm length, Ø 4.1 mm, insertion depth 9 mm) were either SLA surface or turned surface implants. The animals were divided into four groups (five dogs in each group) to study healing following implant installation at 2 h, 4 days, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks. Two experimental implants of each type were installed in each edentulous premolar region. A plaque control program was initiated 2 weeks after each implant installation. RFA assessments were performed at the time of implant installation, at one to three occasions during the monitoring period and at the termination of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, the dogs were sacrificed and each implant site was dissected and processed for histological analysis. The results of the histological analysis, i.e. marginal bone level, degree of osseointegration (BIC%) and bone density, were compared with the corresponding Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) values of the RFA assessment.
Results: No correlations between histological parameters of osseointegration and ISQ values could be identified. Marginal bone level changes, differences in BIC% and bone density were not reflected in the RFA at any time-point during the 12-week monitoring period.
Conclusion: The value of RFA to predict implant stability over time and to determine at which time-point an implant may be exposed to functional load has to be questioned.     

Peri-implant bone reactions to immediate implants placed at different levels in relation to crestal bone. Part I: a pilot study in dogs

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate bone remodeling and bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) after immediate placement at different levels in relation to the crestal bone of Beagle dogs. Materials and methods: The mandibular bilateral second, third and fourth premolars of six Beagle dogs were extracted and six implants were immediately placed in the hemi‐arches of each dog. Randomly, three cylindrical and three tapered implants were inserted crestally (control group) and 2 mm subcrestally (experimental group). Both groups were treated with a minimal mucoperiosteal flap elevation approach. A gap from the buccal cortical wall to the implant was always left. Three dogs were allowed a 4‐week submerged healing period and the other three an 8‐week submerged healing period. The animals were sacrificed and biopsies were obtained. Biopsies were processed for ground sectioning. Histomorphometric analysis was carried out in order to compare buccal and lingual bone height loss, and BIC between the two groups. Results: All implants osseointegrated clinically and histologically. Healing patterns examined microscopically at 4 and 8 weeks for both groups (crestal and subcrestal) yielded similar qualitative bone findings. The distance from the top of the implant collar to the first BIC in the lingual crest (A–Lc) showed a significant difference (P=0.0313): 1.91 ± 0.2 mm in the control group and 1.08 ± 0.2 mm in the experimental group. There was less bone resorption in subcrestal implants than crestal implants. The mean percentage of newly formed BIC was greater with the cylindrical implant design (46.06 ± 4.09%) than with the tapered design (32.64 ± 3.72%). Conclusion: These findings suggest that apical positioning of the top of the implant does not jeopardize bone crest and peri‐implant tissue remodeling. However, less resorption of the Lc may be expected when implants are placed 2 mm subcrestally. To cite this article:
Negri B, Calvo‐Guirado JL, Pardo‐Zamora G, Ramírez‐Fernández MP, Delgado‐Ruíz RA, Muñoz‐Guzón F. Peri‐implant bone reactions to immediate implants placed at different levels in relation to crestal bone. Part I: a pilot study in dogs.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23 , 2012; 228–235.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02158.x     

Factors influencing resonance frequency analysis assessed by Osstell™mentor during implant tissue integration: I. Instrument positioning,bone structure,implant length

Aim: To monitor longitudinally the development of implant stability of SLA Straumann^® tissue‐level implants using resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and to determine the influence of instrument positioning, bone structure and implant length on the assessment of RFA. Material and methods: Thirty‐two healthy adult patients received either 8 mm, ?4.1 mm Straumann^® Standard Plus tissue‐level implants (n=16: Group A) or 10 mm, ?4.1 mm Straumann^® Standard Plus tissue‐level implants (n=16: Group B). During healing, RFA was performed on Weeks 0,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 12. The implants were restored after 10 weeks (impression taking) and 12 weeks. In addition, probing depth, presence of plaque and bleeding on probing were assessed. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values of Groups A and B were compared using unpaired t‐tests and longitudinally applying paired t‐tests between Week 0 and the subsequent time points. Results: Positioning of the Osstell^?mentor device did not affect the ISQ values. Generally, ISQ values increased continuously during healing from a mean of 65.1 (SD 16.97) to 74.7 (SD 5.17) (significantly from Week 0 to Weeks 6, 8 and 12). Lower bone density (Type III or IV) resulted in significantly lower ISQ values up to Week 8. Implant length affected the increase in ISQ values over time. While no significant increase was observed with 10 mm implants, ISQ values of 8 mm implants increased significantly from Week 0 to Weeks 6, 8 and 12. Conclusions: Using Osstell^?mentor, ISQ values are reproducible irrespective of instrument positioning. ISQ values are affected by the bone structure and implant length. Hence, no predictive values can be attributed to implant stability. To cite this article:
Sim CPC, Lang NP. Factors influencing resonance frequency analysis assessed by Osstell^?mentor during implant tissue integration: I. Instrument positioning, bone structure, implant length.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 598–604.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01878.x     

One-year clinical and radiographic assessment of fluoride-enhanced implants on immediate non-functional loading in posterior maxilla and mandible: a pilot prospective clinical series study

Objective: The functional, esthetic, and psychological problems of 3–6 months of edentulousness and also discomfort of two‐stage surgery might cause many patients to avoid implant‐supported restorations. Therefore, the immediate non‐functional loading protocol might be of value. Methods: Twenty Astra Tech implants, 11–13 mm in length and 3.5–4 mm in diameter, were placed in maxillary and mandibular posterior sites of 10 healthy patients (two for each) with adequate alveolar bone. Temporary prostheses were relieved of all centric and eccentric contacts. Functional permanent prostheses were fabricated 13 weeks postoperatively. Clinical and radiographic examinations (including the implant stability quotient [ISQ]) were carried out immediately after implantation and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results: A 100% success rate was observed within 1 year. The plaque and bleeding indices, and pocket‐probing depths did not show a significant change throughout the study. The ISQ values after implant insertion, and 3, 6, and 12 months later were respectively 76.6 ± 6.57, 77.6 ± 10.54, 81.8 ± 6.8, and 82.43 ± 3.7. The increase was statistically significant (P=0.004) according to the Freidman test. The ISQ values measured after the implant insertion were significantly different from those measured in the sixth and 12th postoperative months (P<0.008) according to the Wilcoxon signed‐ranks test. The mean crestal alveolar bone resorption values in the third, sixth, and 12th postoperative months were 0.4 ± 0.55, 0.48 ± 0.37, and 0.48 ± 0.21 mm, respectively; and the change in marginal alveolar bone loss was not significant according to the Freidman test. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this pilot study, non‐functional immediate loading might meet the expectations of both the patients and clinicians. To cite this article:
Rismanchian M, Fazel A, Rakhshan V, Eblaghian G. One‐year clinical and radiographic assessment of fluoride‐enhanced implants on immediate non‐functional loading in posterior maxilla and mandible: a pilot prospective clinical series study.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. xx , 2011; 000–000.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02134.x     

Relations between the bone density values from computerized tomography, and implant stability parameters: a clinical study of 230 regular platform implants

Aims: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between bone density, insertion torque, and implant stability at implant placement. Materials and Methods: One‐hundred and eight patients were treated with 230 Brånemark System implants. A computerized tomography (CT) machine was used for pre‐operative evaluation of the jaw bone for each patient. The maximum insertion torque values were recorded with the OsseoCare equipment. Implant stability measurements were performed with the Osstell machine for only 142 implants. Results: The mean bone density and insertion torque values were 721±254 Hounsfield unit (HU) and 39.1±7 N cm for 230 implants, and the correlation was significant (r=0.664, p<0.001). The mean bone density, insertion torque, and resonance frequency analysis values were 751±257 HU, 39.4±7 Nc m, and 70.5±7 implant stability quotient (ISQ), respectively, for 142 implants. Statistically significant correlations were found between bone density and insertion torque values (p<0.001); bone density and ISQ values (p<0.001); and insertion torque and ISQ values (p<0.001). Conclusion: The bone density values from pre‐operative CT examination may provide an objective assessment of bone quality, and significant correlations between bone density and implant stability parameters may help clinicians to predict primary stability before implant insertion.     

Crestal bone loss proximal to oral implants in older and younger adults

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Older adults often have bone loss and may be at risk of bone resorption around oral implants. PURPOSE: This study tested the hypothesis that there is no difference in crestal bone loss proximal to oral implants in the complete implant prosthesis sites of older and younger adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two groups of 35 complete dental implant prosthesis sites (23 screw-retained fixed prostheses and 12 bar-retained overdentures) were selected by matching sites in 32 older adults (60 to 74 years old with 166 Br?nemark implants) to sites in 34 younger adults (29 to 49 years old with 162 Br?nemark implants) on the basis of possible confounding factors including gender, prosthetic design, implant number, arch, year of surgery, and opposing dentition. Statistical comparisons (Mann-Whitney test at P<.05) were made of mean crestal bone level at loading and mean annual crestal bone loss during the first year, first to fourth year, after first year, and after fourth year of loading with periapical radiographic measurements of the vertical distance in millimeters from the apical edge of the implant collar to the most apical initial point of contact between the implant and bone. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the groups. Mean bone levels at loading were 1.4 mm below the collar in both groups and mean annual crestal bone loss after the first year of loading was 0.04 mm/y in both groups. However, significant differences were found between some old and young subgroups stratified by arch and prosthetic design. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, elders should expect no more rapid bone resorption around oral implants in edentulous jaws than that seen in young adults.     

In Vitro Assessment of Primary Stability of Straumann® Implant Designs

Background: Primary implant stability (PS) is one of the main factors influencing implant survival rate. Several methods to determine the PS have been used, such as Periotest values (PVs) and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) with implant stability quotient (ISQ) values. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare different implant designs in regard to PS assessed by Periotest and RFA in vitro. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 implants were placed in freshly slaughtered cow ribs. The implants (Straumann®, Institute Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland; length 10 mm, ø3.3 mm) had the following three designs: Bone Level (BL, 30 implants), Standard Plus (SP, 30 implants), and Tapered Effect (TE, 30 implants). Before implant placement, the investigator was calibrated for every design according to the manufacturer's instructions. An independent observer, blinded to the study, assessed the accuracy of placement. RFA based on the Osstell device and PVs were performed after abutment connection. One‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test were used for statistical evaluation. Results: All implants were mechanically stable. The mean PV for BL was ?4.67(± 1.18), for SP, ?6.07(± 0.94), and for TE, ?6.57(± 0.57). The mean ISQ values were 75.02(± 3.65), 75.98(± 3.00), and 79.83(± 1.85), respectively. The one‐way ANOVA showed significant difference among three implant designs in PV (p < .0001) and for the ISQ between BL/TE or SP/TE implants (p < .0001). In addition, the Tukey's (pair‐wise comparison) test showed significant differences in PV and RFA between the BL/TE (p < .0001). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, higher implant stability was found for tapered designed implants.     

Clinical outcome of 802 immediately loaded 2-stage submerged implants with a new grit-blasted and acid-etched surface: 12-month follow-up

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of delayed or immediately loaded implants of 3 different implant macrodesigns. The hypothesis was that no significant differences in implant success would be observed between immediately and delayed loaded implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2003 and December 2003, 321 patients were consecutively enrolled for this study. Immediate loading was performed in cases where the implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were > 60 (as determined by resonance frequency analysis) and implant insertion torque was > 25 Ncm. In the case of delayed loading, a submerged technique (2-stage) or a single-stage procedure was used. The following variables were statistically analyzed with logistic regression: implant length, implant diameter, implant type, implant site, insertion torque, ISQ, and type of loading (immediate or delayed). RESULTS: Eight hundred two implants were placed. Immediate loading was chosen for 423 implants and delayed loading for 379 implants. All implants were followed up for a minimum of 12 months after prosthetic loading. Only 3 implants were lost, with an overall success rate of 99.6%. No statistically significant differences were found for any variables between the failures in the 2 groups (immediate loading protocol versus delayed loading). Implants with a crestal bone loss greater than 0.2 mm during the first year of observation (69 cases) were evaluated as a group; within this subset, only ISQ value (P < .004), implant length (P < .002), and implant type (P < .049) had a statistically significant effect on crestal bone resorption. CONCLUSIONS: Based upon this study of 802 implants, no significant differences in implant success were observed between the 2 groups.     

Report of a case receiving full-arch rehabilitation in both jaws using immediate implant loading protocols: a 1-year resonance frequency analysis follow-up

Background: Immediate occlusal implant loading has been documented as a viable treatment option for various indications. However, documentations related to full‐arch rehabilitation are usually limited to treatment of one jaw at a time, thereby leaving the opposing dentition unchanged. Furthermore, clinical documentation using traditional, well‐accepted measuring techniques may not be adequate when it comes to short‐term evaluation of the success or failure of implants subjected to immediate occlusal loading. Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to (1) present an implant stability follow‐up of a patient receiving an immediate, implant‐supported full‐arch rehabilitation in both jaws and (2) evaluate the patient's acceptance of this rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: A 68‐year‐old patient scheduled for implant treatment was selected for an immediate implant loading protocol in both jaws. During two surgical events 3 weeks apart, eight maxillary and four mandibular Brånemark System® Mk IV TiUnite^TM fixtures (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) were inserted and subsequently used to immediately support a cross‐arch fixed prosthesis in the maxilla and a bar‐retained overdenture in the mandible. Implant stability was recorded from the day of surgery periodically during a 1‐year follow‐up using resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Results: At the 1‐year follow‐up, based on clinical, RFA, and radiographic evaluations, all implants and the reconstructions were classified as successful. All maxillary implants showed a decrease in the implant stability quotient (ISQ) value from the measurement at the time of surgery to the first follow‐up, whereas two of four mandibular implants revealed an initial drop in stability. Irrespective of a specific ISQ level measured at implant surgery (ISQ range 53–74) and despite an initial decrease in stability, measurements recorded at the 12‐month follow‐up indicated similar stability levels for all maxillary implants (ISQ range 64–68) or the group of mandibular implants (ISQ range 72–75) but with a higher ISQ level for mandibular implants. Furthermore, the patient's acceptance of the immediate full‐arch rehabilitation in both jaws was high. Conclusions: The present case report demonstrates that a slightly staged approach for full‐arch rehabilitation in both jaws using immediate implant loading protocols is a realistic treatment option. Furthermore, RFA follow‐up indicates that immediately occlusally loaded implants placed in reduced bone quality and quantity are more prone to loose stability in the early healing period compared with implants placed in dense bone quality.     

Correlation between implant stability quotient and bone-implant contact: a retrospective histological and histomorphometrical study of seven titanium implants retrieved from humans

Background: Primary stability has a relevant role in the long‐term success of dental implants. A quantitative method for the measurement of implant stability has been introduced (resonance frequency analysis RFA]). Information about the significance of RFA measurements and about the relationship between RFA values and their association with implant osseointegration, success, or failure is important from a clinical point of view. Purpose: The aim of the present histological and histomorphometric study was to see if a correlation existed between the bone‐implant contact (BIC) percentage of retrieved human implants and RFA values. Materials and Methods: Seven implants inserted in the posterior mandible, with a sandblasted and acid‐etched surface and retrieved after a 6‐month period, were evaluated in the present study. These seven implants had been retrieved for different causes. All these implants were submerged and were retrieved with a 5‐mm trephine bur and immersed in 10% buffered formalin to be processed for histology. Results: A statistically significant correlation could be detected between implant stability quotient and BIC (p=.016). Conclusions: Even if the relationship between bone structure and RFA is still not fully understood, in our study, a statistically significant correlation was found between RFA and BIC values. Further studies are needed to evaluate a correlation of RFA and BIC in human implants retrieved after a range of healing periods.     

Reconstruction of the atrophic edentulous maxilla with free iliac crest grafts and implants: a 3-year report of a prospective clinical study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to perform a longitudinal follow-up study of implant stability in grafted maxillae with the aid of clinical, radiological, and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) parameters. Materials and Methods: The atrophic edentulous maxillae in 29 patients were reconstructed with free iliac crest grafts using onlay/inlay or interpositional grafting techniques. The endpoint of the resorption pattern in the maxilla determined the grafting technique used. Endosteal implants were placed after 6 months of bone-graft healing. Implant stability was measured four times using RFA: when the implants were placed, after 6 to 8 months of healing, after 6 months and 3 years of bridge loading. Individual checkups were performed at the two later RFA registrations after removal of the supraconstructions (Procera® Implant Bridge, Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden). Radiological follow up of marginal bone level was performed annually. Results: Twenty-five patients remained for the follow-up period. A total of 192 implants were placed and with a survival rate of 90% at the 3-year follow up. Women and an implant position with a class 6 resorption prior to reconstruction were factors with significant increased risk for implant failure (multivariate logistic regression). Twelve of the 20 failed implants were lost before loading (early failures). The change in the marginal bone level was 0.3 ± 0.3 mm between baseline (bridge delivery) and the 3-year follow up. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) value for all implants differed significantly between abutment connection (60.2 ± 7.3) and after 6 months of bridge loading (62.5 ± 5.5) (Wilcoxon signed ranks test for paired data, p=.05) but were nonsignificant between 6 months of bridge loading and 3 years of bridge loading (61.8 ± 5.5). There was a significant difference between successful and failed implants when the ISQ values were compared for individual implants at placement (Mann-Whitney U test, p=.004). All 25 patients were provided with fixed implant bridges at the time of the 3-year follow up. Conclusion: This clinical follow up using radiological examinations and RFA measurements indicates a predictable and stable long-term result for patients with atrophic edentulous maxillae reconstructed with autogenous bone and with delayed placement of endosteal implants. The ISQ value at the time of placement can probably serve as an indicator of level of risk for implant failure.     

Resonance frequency analysis in relation to jawbone characteristics and during early healing of implant installation

OBJECTIVES: To monitor resonance frequency analysis (RFA) in relation to the jawbone characteristics and during the early phases of healing and incorporation of Straumann dental implants with an SLA surface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 17 Straumann 4.1 mm implants (10 mm) and 7 Straumann 4.8 mm implants (10 mm) were installed and ISQ determined at baseline and after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 12 weeks. Central bone cores were analyzed from the 4.1 mm implants using micro CT for bone volume density (BVD) and bone trabecular connectivity (BTC). RESULTS: Pocket probing depths ranged from 2-4 mm and bleeding on probing from 5-20%. At baseline, BVD varied between 24% and 65% and BTC between 4.9 and 25.4 for the 4.1 mm implants. Baseline ISQ varied between 55 and 74 with a mean of 61.4. No significant correlations were found between BVD or BTC and ISQ Values. For the 4.8 mm diameter implants baseline ISQ values ranged from 57-70 with a mean of 63.3. Over the healing period ISQ values increased at 1 week and decreased after 2-3 weeks. After 4 weeks ISQ values, again increased slightly, no significant differences were noted over time. One implant (4.1 mm) lost stability at 3 weeks. Its ISQ value had dropped from 68 to 45. However the latter value was determined after the clinical diagnosis of instability. CONCLUSION: ISQ values of 57-70 represented homeostasis and implant stability. However no predictive value for loosing implant stability can be attributed to RFA since the decrease occurred after the fact.     

Factors influencing resonance frequency analysis assessed by Osstell™mentor during implant tissue integration: II. Implant surface modifications and implant diameter

Objectives: To monitor the development of the stability of Straumann^® tissue‐level implants during the early phases of healing by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and to determine the influence of implant surface modification and diameter. Material and methods: A total of twenty‐five 10 mm length implants including 12 SLA RN ?4.1 mm implants, eight SLActive RN ?4.1 mm implants and five SLA WN ?4.8 mm implants were placed. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were determined with Osstell^?mentor at baseline, 4 days, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks post‐surgery. ISQ values were compared between implant types using unpaired t‐tests and longitudinally within implant types using paired t‐tests. Results: During healing, ISQ decreased by 3–4 values after installation and reached the lowest values at 3 weeks. Following this, the ISQ values increased steadily for all implants and up to 12 weeks. No significant differences were noted over time. The longitudinal changes in the ISQ values showed the same patterns for SLA implants, SLActive implants and WB implants. At placement, the mean ISQ values were 72.6, 75.7 and 74.4, respectively. The mean lowest ISQ values, recorded at 3 weeks, were 69.9, 71.4 and 69.8, respectively. At 12 weeks, the mean ISQ values were 76.5, 78.8 and 77.8, respectively. The mean ISQ values at all observation periods did not differ significantly among the various types. Single ISQ values ranged from 55 to 84 during the entire healing period. Pocket probing depths of the implants ranged from 1 to 3 mm and bleeding on probing from 0 to 2 sites/implant post‐surgically. Conclusions: All ISQ values indicated the stability of Straumann^® implants over a 12‐week healing period. All implants showed a slight decrease after installation, with the lowest ISQ values being reached at 3 weeks. ISQ values were restored 8 weeks post‐surgically. It is recommended to monitor implant stability by RFA at 3 and 8 weeks post‐surgically. However, neither implant surface modifications (SLActive) nor implant diameter were revealed by RFA. To cite this article:
Han J, Lulic M, Lang NP. Factors influencing resonance frequency analysis assessed by Osstell^?mentor during implant tissue integration: II. Implant surface modifications and implant diameter.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 605–611.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01909.x     

Resonance frequency analysis measurements of implants at placement surgery

PURPOSE: The knowledge of what levels of primary stability can be obtained in different jawbone regions and of what factors influence primary stability is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate primary stability by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) measurements of implants placed according to a surgical protocol that aimed for high primary stability. The aim was also to correlate RFA measurements with factors related to the surgical technique, the patient, and implant design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 905 Br?nemark dental implants used in 267 consecutive patients were measured with RFA at the time of placement surgery. RESULTS: A mean ISQ value of 67.4 (SD 8.6) was obtained for all implants. Univariate analyses with the implant or patient as unit showed higher ISQ values in men compared with women, in mandibles compared with maxillae, in posterior compared with anterior sites, and for wide-platform implants in comparison with regular/narrow-platform implants. There was a correlation between bone quality and primary stability, with lower ISQ values obtained for implants placed in softer bone. A lower stability was seen with increased implant length. A stepwise multiple regression analysis using the patient as unit showed that jaw type and gender had independent effects on primary stability. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that factors related to bone density and implant diameter/length may affect the level of primary implant stability. Furthermore, greater stability was observed in male than in female patients. High primary implant stability was achieved in all jaw regions, although the use of thinner drills and/or tapered implants cannot fully compensate for the effect of soft bone. The research design does not permit conclusions regarding long-term treatment outcome with implants.     

Stability and marginal bone level measurements of unsplinted implants used for mandibular overdentures: a 1-year randomized prospective clinical study comparing early and conventional loading protocols

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two non‐splinted implants used as retention for a mandibular overdenture when applying conventional or early loading protocols. Material and methods: Twenty edentulous patients were treated with two unsplinted and non‐submerged implants (15 mm long, TiUnite RP, Brånemark System) in the anterior mandible. The patients were randomly allotted into two groups: (i) test group (Group A), in which the overdenture was connected 1 week after surgery, and (ii) control group (Group B), in which the overdenture was connected after 12 weeks of healing. Resonance frequency analyses (RFA) for implant stability measurements were performed at implant surgery and after 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Marginal bone levels were evaluated at implant surgery and after 6 and 12 months. Results: No implant from either group was lost and all implants showed less than 1 mm of marginal bone resorption during the first year. The mean implant stability quotient (ISQ) values at implant surgery were 76.2±2.8 for Group A and 75.6±4.5 for Group B. The 12‐month measurements showed 76.4±2.5 ISQ and 76.4±2.8 ISQ for Groups A and B, respectively. There were no statistically significant changes between or within the groups with time. There were no differences in marginal bone loss, which was on average 0.3 mm for both groups after 1 year. Conclusion: Although a limited number of patients were followed for 1 year only, the results of the present study indicate that early loading of two unsplinted 15 mm long implants with an overdenture does not negatively affect implant stability or marginal bone conditions when compared with implants subjected to 12 weeks of healing before loading.