Correlation between implant angulation and crestal bone changes: A 5-year retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Biomaterials Science
• Radiology

Background:

• Previous research on nonaxial forces and peri-implant bone loss primarily focused on mesiodistal angulations.
• Multidirectional implant angulations, including buccolingual aspects, may influence peri-implant bone loss differently than mesiodistal measurements alone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the correlation between multidirectional implant angulations and peri-implant crestal bone loss.
• To determine if multidirectional angulations provide a more accurate assessment of bone loss risk.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 506 dental implants in 288 patients over a mean follow-up of 5.1 years.
• Utilized periapical radiographs and CAD files to assess implant angulation (mesiodistal and buccolingual) and peri-implant bone loss.
• Excluded patients with uncontrolled systemic disease; analyzed variables including implant location, antagonist type, and attrition status.

Main Results:

• Nonaxial implants showed significantly greater mean peri-implant bone loss (0.22 ±0.48 mm) compared to axial implants (0.10 ±0.39 mm).
• Increased bone loss was observed with implant-supported prostheses as antagonists and in mandibular locations.
• The correlation between multidirectional implant angulation and bone loss was statistically significant (P<.05).

Conclusions:

• A significant correlation exists between multidirectional implant angulation and peri-implant bone loss.
• Nonaxially positioned implants are associated with increased bone loss, influenced by implant location and antagonist type.
• Optimizing implant angulation and considering antagonist factors are vital for mitigating peri-implant bone loss.