Mandibular single crystal sapphire implants: changes in crestal bone levels over three years

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Biomaterials Science
• Radiology

Background:

• Single crystal sapphire implants offer a metal-free alternative for dental restorations.
• Overdentures supported by implants in edentulous mandibles are a common prosthetic solution.
• Long-term radiographic monitoring is crucial for assessing implant success and bone health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the 3-year radiographic outcomes of single crystal sapphire implants used as overdenture abutments.
• To assess bone-implant score (BIS) changes over time and identify factors influencing bone resorption.
• To compare the performance of short versus long sapphire implants.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study involving 190 single crystal sapphire implants (85 short, 105 long) in 51 patients.
• Panoramic and intraoral radiographs were used for monitoring over a 3-year period.
• Bone-implant score (BIS) was calculated at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 years post-placement.

Main Results:

• Two implants were lost within the first year due to pain and lack of osseointegration; superstructures remained stable.
• Mean BIS decreased from 63.55% at baseline to 61.73% at 3 years, with no statistically significant overall change.
• BIS decrease was more pronounced for short implants and those in the premolar region compared to long implants and incisor region implants, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Single crystal sapphire implants demonstrate stable radiographic outcomes over 3 years when used as overdenture abutments.
• While overall bone loss is minimal, short implants and those in the premolar region may require closer monitoring.
• Sapphire implants present a viable option for edentulous mandibles, with predictable osseointegration and bone maintenance.