Dental Implants in Patients with Functional Diversity Under a Strict Prevention Protocol: A Retrospective Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Dental implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Oral health research

Background:

• Investigating dental implant outcomes in patients with functional diversity.
• Comparing success rates and marginal bone loss (MBL) against a control group without functional diversity.
• Emphasizing strict implant maintenance and hygiene protocols for both groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the success of dental implants in patients with functional diversity.
• To compare implant success rates and MBL between patients with and without functional diversity.
• To evaluate the impact of functional diversity on implant outcomes under rigorous hygiene conditions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational case-control study design.
• Two groups: patients with functional diversity (case) and without (control).
• Evaluation of implant success rates at 12 months post-loading, MBL quantification, plaque index, bruxism presence, and other clinical factors.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in implant success rates or marginal bone loss (MBL) between the groups.
• Statistically significant differences in oral hygiene (plaque index) between groups (p=0.001).
• Higher prevalence of bruxism observed in the functional diversity group.

Conclusions:

• Implant therapy in patients with functional diversity achieves comparable success rates to those without disabilities.
• Higher bruxism and plaque levels in the functional diversity group did not negatively impact implant success.
• Individualized treatment planning, meticulous oral hygiene, and regular follow-ups are vital for long-term implant success.