Improving implant survival rates by using a new method of at risk analysis

The objective of this project was to improve an implantology practice by developing a computer program that would allow in depth analysis of dental implants placed over a 20 year period. It was anticipated that certain trends of survival would emerge that would allow refinement of techniques providing an improvement in survival. It was felt that a progressive study would give scientifically reliable results and that a retrogressive analysis would also be very valuable if rigid bias control was incorporated. The analysis of over 2000 implants of all types produced some rather striking differences in survival rates, particularly when examined as to location and prosthetics. This paper reports on over 70 categories of search, examining survival statistics relating to implant types by location, prosthetics, fresh extraction sites, etc. These are illustrated with over 20 graphs. Recognition of these differences during implant case planning, produced an improvement in survival rates in this practice from 91% to approximately 98% up to 6 years.