Retrospective radiographic study of blade implants

This retrospective study was undertaken to provide information on the radiographic status of blade implants which had been placed in patients in a private dental office at least five years prior to this study. Radiographs and records of 66 implants were studied in 31 patients. Six implants had been removed from five different patients; 60 implants were still in place at the time of this study. In general, the blade implants fared better in the mandible than in the maxilla. Analysis of the data suggests that although as a group patients with stable periodontal disease had significantly fewer implants lost, on an individual basis there is no predictable correlation between the periodontal status of the natural dentition and the survival of a blade implant as indicated by the radiographs. The change in the height of the crestal bone does not appear to be a critical determinant in the retention of the implant. There was no relationship between the time of loading and the survival of a blade implant.