Hydroxyapatite-coated oral implants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Biomaterials Science
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Dental implants are widely used for tooth replacement.
• Surface coatings, such as hydroxyapatite, are employed to enhance osseointegration and implant success.
• Comparative outcomes of coated versus non-coated implants require ongoing evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the treatment outcomes of hydroxyapatite-coated dental implants with non-coated implants.
• To synthesize existing evidence on implant survival rates and marginal bone loss.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane) up to June 2011.
• Manual searches of journals and bibliographies supplemented the electronic search.
• Seven studies (one randomized, four prospective, two retrospective) were included in the analysis.

Main Results:

• Survival rates at 5 years were comparable between hydroxyapatite-coated (77.8%-98.1%) and non-coated implants (77.1%-95.2%).
• Hydroxyapatite-coated implants showed a non-significant trend towards lower failure risk (RR 0.68).
• Significantly greater marginal bone loss was observed around hydroxyapatite-coated implants compared to non-coated implants (1.51 ± 2.71 mm vs. 0.55 ± 1.04 mm).

Conclusions:

• Hydroxyapatite-coated implants exhibit comparable short-term survival outcomes to non-coated implants within a 5-year period.
• The long-term efficacy of hydroxyapatite-coated implants requires further investigation through robust clinical trials.
• While short-term survival is similar, increased marginal bone loss with hydroxyapatite coatings warrants attention.