A long-term clinical statistical analysis of machined-surface Brånemark implants used in patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery

Abstract

ObjectiveDental implants are powerful tools for functional recovery after oral and maxillofacial surgery. Although a variety of different types of implant body have been developed, statistical studies have covered the comparatively short period. Dental implants are now being used for longer periods than ever. Patients and methodsHerein, we report our more than 27 years of clinical experience with the objective of re-evaluating the performance of machined-surface Brånemark implants. ResultsA total of 454 machined-surface implants, of which 38 were lost, were investigated. The cumulative overall survival rate was thus 87.2%. A comparison between the upper and lower jaws showed that the survival rate was 89.0% in the mandible and 85.1% in the maxilla, with a significant difference. However, there was no significant difference in the sort of bone in which they were embedded, with 90.0% embedded in existing bone and 82.6% in grafted bone. A four-field-table analysis showed that, in Year 27, the rate of “success” was 26%, with 1% “survival”, 65% “unaccounted for”, and 8% “failure”. ConclusionExtending the follow-up period means that more patients are lost to follow-up, and a range of different methods must therefore be used for an overall assessment to enable the accurate evaluation of therapeutic outcomes.