Peri-implant bone loss around posterior mandible dental implants placed after distraction osteogenesis: preliminary findings
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
Wilson C K Polo1, Ney Soares de Araujo, Ynara B O Lima
1Department of Periodontics and Implantology, School of Dentistry, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Background:
The present study evaluates implant survival and peri-implant bone loss around posterior mandible dental implants placed at sites of distraction osteogenesis.
Methods:
On removal of the distraction devices, 34 dental implants were inserted into 14 posterior mandible sites in 10 healthy, non-smoking female patients. Prosthetic treatment was performed 4 months after implant placement using fixed implant prostheses. After 6 to 16.5 months, periapical radiographs were taken and evaluated for peri-implant bone loss and radiolucency. The distance between the implant margin and the first visible bone-implant contact was measured on the mesial and distal aspects of the implants using imaging software. Radiographic dimensional distortion was corrected as a function of the known true dimension of the implant.
Results:
Of the 34 implants placed, two (5.9%) failed to integrate at reentry surgery. Both were replaced and restored during the course of the study so that a total of 34 implants was followed for 12.1 +/- 3.8 months post-restoration and 16.1 +/- 3.8 months post-insertion. Mean loss of marginal bone height was 2.6 +/- 1.0 mm. During the follow-up period, radiolucent lines along the implant surface were absent.
Conclusions:
The mean peri-implant bone loss in areas of alveolar bone distraction was 1.9 mm/year. A high implant survival rate was observed.