A comparative radiographic study of bone density changes around titanium implants in the posterior mandible, preoperative and postoperative

Abstract

Background: Implant success and the state of the surrounding bone require multiple measures, especially in humans, and this study aimed to identify the development of the state of the latter by means of radiographic examination performed during the period of osseointegration as well as investigate the changes in bone density that occur after implant installation and two months after functional loading. Implant success rates are affected by bone density at the implant site. Therefore, understanding changes in bone density after dental implant placement is essential, as it correlates with subsequent implant success. Materials and Methods: Digital radiographs of twenty-eight implants were taken and evaluated at four intervals: preoperatively, one and three months postoperatively, and two months following placement of the permanent prosthesis. Gray values were measured in different areas around the implants through analyzing X-ray images and measuring bone density around the implants using EzDent – 2D software. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in bone density around implants in three regions: apex, neck, and body, as well as to record average density values during the observation period by measuring digital image gray levels (the gray values of the digital X-ray). This was conducted to determine local bone densities in dental implant recipient sites and to study changes in local bone densities at different intervals, pre- and post-operatively and after placement of the prosthesis. Results: A decrease was observed in gray values proportional to reference values one month after implant insertion, but these increased at three months after insertion and continued to rise two months after placement of the prosthesis in the apical, body and neck regions of the implant. Conclusion: Sensor-tuned radiography can be used as an effective method to support clinical follow-ups as well as measure changes in bone densities around implants in critical cases.