The Effect of Age and Use of Enamel Matrix Derivative on Implant Loss

Background: Previous reports suggest that patient age at the time of implant placement is not a factor in implant survival. However, analysis of data compiled for a previously published study on the effect of enamel matrix derivative (EMD), a frequently used biomaterial to aid bone regeneration, on peri-implantitis indicated that age and use of EMD may be a factor in implant survival. The current study further evaluated the existing database to determine the effect of age and EMD use on long term survival of implants. Methods: An existing database from a private periodontal specialty practice was evaluated for the effect of age at the time of implant placement on implant survival. In addition, all available clinical factors were evaluated, including the use of EMD at any point during site preparation or implant placement to determine any effect on implant survival. Results: Patient age at the time of implant placement had a negligible effect on implant survival for younger individuals. However, starting at 58 years of age, an increase in relative risk for implant loss was noted. When the patient age was divided into groups, it was determined that patients ≥ 58 and ≤68 years had a statistically significantly increased relative risk of implant loss (2.75), which was sharply reduced if EMD had been used (1.24). This trend was also noted to a lesser extent in patients older than 68 years. Conclusions: The risk of implant loss was elevated when implants were placed in older patients. This risk was reduced if EMD had been used at any point during implant site preparation or placement.