Analysis of consecutively placed loaded root-form and plate-form implants in adult Macaca mulatta monkeys

The present paper describes 36 consecutively treated non-human primates (Macaca mulatta) as part of a balanced block design study to examine osseointegration in root- and plate-form implants prepared by atraumatic preparation of bone. Clinical measurements around selected teeth and digital radiology were utilized to monitor periodontal disease and bone loss around root- and plate-form implants which were loaded with a fixed prosthesis. Results indicate that once monthly regimen of scaling and root planing can prevent attachment loss in natural teeth, serving as abutments of loaded bridges. Root-form implants exhibited a significant loss of crestal bone height during the first year (P < 0.03) while plate-form implants showed less loss in bone height. There was an increase in bone mass over time for root-form or plate-form implants. Both root-form and plate-form implants provided radiographic evidence of osseointegration in loaded bridges.