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

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the success of dental implants in patients with functional diversity by comparing success rates and marginal bone loss with those observed in patients without functional diversity, with both groups being subjected to a strict implant maintenance and hygiene protocol. Methods: A retrospective observational case-control study was designed. Two main study groups were established: one comprising patients with functional diversity (case group) and another including patients without functional diversity (control group), all of whom had received dental implants. Implant success rates were evaluated 12 months after prosthetic loading. Marginal bone loss was quantified according to the classification proposed by Lagervall and Jansson, later modified and validated by Corcuera-Flores et al. In addition, the Silness and Löe plaque index, presence of bruxism, implant characteristics, and rehabilitation techniques were recorded at each follow-up visit. Results: A total of 63 dental implants were placed in 20 patients included in the present study. The case group consisted of 9 patients who received 31 implants, whereas the control group comprised 11 patients who received 32 implants. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in terms of implant success and MBL. Oral hygiene was assessed showed a statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.001). Significant differences were also found regarding bruxism prevalence between groups, which was higher in the case group. Conclusions: The results obtained in the present study indicate that implant therapy in patients with functional diversity can achieve success rates comparable to those observed in patients without disabilities despite the higher prevalence of bruxism and a greater amount of dental plaque. These findings reinforce the importance of individualized treatment planning, adequate oral hygiene control, and periodic clinical follow-up in order to ensure long-term implant stability and peri-implant health.