Analysis of 435 screw-vent dental implants placed in 161 patients: software enhancement of clinical evaluation

This paper demonstrates how a computer software program was utilized in a private practice to supplement the clinical evaluation of one implant system. Clinical data were entered into a computer database at the time of implant placement and up to 13 years for follow-up appointments. Data were divided into two groups and subjected to lifetable analyses. The focus group consisted of a machined-titanium, screw-type implant with an internal abutment connection from one manufacturer. The residual database consisted of mixed implant designs with a variety of abutment connections and surfaces from several other manufacturers. Lifetable survival data between the two groups were generated. Cumulative survival rates from 0 to 13 years were 94.2% (n = 435) for the focus group and 90.1% (n = 2339) for the reference group. There were 25 implants lost in the focus group and 11 other implants were deemed "at risk." Survival results from other lifetable analyses are also presented for the two groups. Documentation of empirical clinical data in a computer software database over a period of time can help private practice clinicians better evaluate the dental implant systems used in their practices.