Evaluation of implants placed with barrier membranes. A restrospective follow-up study up to five years

This follow-up study evaluated clinical and radiographic parameters of dental implants placed in combination with guided bone regeneration with barrier membranes. All implants functioned well up to 60 months after insertion. Forty-one patients, with a total of 72 augmented implants, who participated in a regular maintenance protocol, were investigated. Annual Periotest values (median value, - 3) revealed stable periimplant conditions and sustained osseointegration. At 6 months and annually thereafter up to five years, the radiographic evaluation yielded mean bone losses of 0.8, 1.25, 1.39, 1.42, 1.42 and 1.39 mm, respectively, with a range from 0 to 3.5 mm. No implant failures or losses were recorded. The results demonstrated stable periimplant conditions up to five years after membrane-protected osseous regeneration, with no significant differences in the radiographic bone level in regard to region, jaw or bone graft. Premature membrane exposure resulted in a significantly higher crestal bone loss up to 24 months. The newly formed bone appeared to be able to withstand functional loading for up to 60 months in a predictable manner.