Short-term cone beam CT study on bone mass changes post touch-controlled minimally invasive mandibular molar implant

This study aimed to investigate the change of peri-implant bone mass after touch-controlled, minimally invasive implantation in the mandibular first molar region by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A retrospective study was conducted, involving 60 implants in the mandibular first molar region. Touch-controlled, minimally invasive implantation was performed, and healing abutments were installed after surgery. CBCT scans were obtained at four time points: on the day of surgery (T0) and at 1 month (T1) and 6 months (T2) after surgery. Implant retention, as well as horizontal and vertical bone absorption, both bucco-lingually and in the proximal and distal regions, was measured at each time point. The implant retention at T2 was 100%. Bone resorption was observed at the proximal and distal sites of the implant as early as at T1, with more noticeable resorption at T2. Compared with T1, there was a significant increase in bone resorption, and the resorption amount tended to stabilize by T2. Horizontal bone resorption was not evident. Briefly, following touch-controlled, minimally invasive implantation of mandibular first molars, peri-implant vertical bone resorption was observed in the proximal, distal, and bucco-lingual regions, while horizontal bone resorption was not apparent. These findings provide valuable guidance for implant clinicians in selecting optimal surgical techniques.