Examining Circumferential Bone Stability around Narrow-Diameter Implants Retaining Mandibular Overdentures: A...

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Biomaterials Science
• Oral Rehabilitation

Background:

• Narrow diameter implants are used for mandibular overdentures (MO).
• Assessing secondary stability and bone levels is crucial for long-term implant success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between secondary implant stability and circumferential bone levels of narrow diameter implants retaining mandibular overdentures (MO) over 1 and 3 years.
• To analyze changes in implant stability coefficient (ISQ) and vertical (VBL) and horizontal bone loss (HBL) over time and between implant faces.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study monitored 30 patients receiving narrow diameter implants for MO.
• Implant stability (ISQ) and bone levels (VBL, HBL) were assessed using CBCT at 1 and 3 years.
• Statistical analysis included two-way ANOVA and correlation tests to evaluate changes and associations.

Main Results:

• ISQ, VBL, and HBL showed no significant changes over the 3-year period.
• Significant differences in VBL were observed between implant faces (distal/mesial, lingual/mesial, mesial/buccal) at 1 and 3 years.
• A moderate positive correlation was found between ISQ and HBL on lingual and mesial faces at 1 year, indicating an association between bone remodeling and implant stability.

Conclusions:

• Narrow diameter implants for MO demonstrate stable bone levels and secondary stability over 3 years.
• The mesial face showed the highest stability with minimal VBL by year 3.
• Early bone remodeling in the first year, particularly affecting HBL on lingual and mesial faces, may influence implant stability.