Loss of crestal bone around dental implants: a retrospective study

The loss of crestal bone associated with dental implants is a significant clinical phenomenon. The occurrence of such bone loss will often compromise long-term prognosis and, if extensive, ultimately lead to failure. Relatively few studies have focused on the reasons for loss of crestal-supporting bone around implants, although numerous explanations for the phenomenon have been proposed. This retrospective investigation examines one potential causative factor for implant-associated crestal bone loss, which has only recently received attention, i.e., location of the implant/transmucosal abutment interface (ITAI) relative to the crestal bone. A retrospective clinical evaluation of 350 individual implants in 255 patients indicates a direct relationship between subgingival placement of the ITAI and loss of crestal supporting bone. In addition, scanning electron microscopic examination of 45 failed implants showed significant plaque accumulation at the ITAI, the transmucosal abutment/prosthesis interface (TAPI), and the interface between the implant smooth collar and subjacent plasma-spray coated surface.