Factors associated with radiographic vertical bone loss around implants placed in a clinical study

The loss of vertical bone height over time has been assessed radiographically as part of the Dental Implant Clinical Research Group studies. Radiographs were assessed from implant placement, uncovering surgeries, and recall appointments. Overall, the study implants experienced most peri-implant vertical bone loss in the first year after placement, followed by a dramatic decrease in bone loss rate through the subsequent study intervals. Stratified analysis of data up to 72 months after implant uncovering indicates different bone loss patterns by: 1) arch; 2) jaw region; 3) case type; 4) bone quality; 5) surface type; 6) implant design; 7) smoking status; and 8) postoperative antibiotic treatment. These results will be used to build statistical mixed models to indicate which clinical factors are most predictive of peri-implant vertical bone loss, controlling for confounding and accounting for correlation of data over time and within study patients.