Comparison of bone loss around implants using radiographs

Abstract

This article presents an original-research conducted at Pushpagiri College of Dental sciences, Thiruvalla, Kerala to compare and evaluate the vertical crestal bone changes around implants with different surface coatings and diame-ter using CBCT and RVG taken at the time of loading and one year after loading. Thirty-six samples were divided in 4 group; based on 3 parameters: implant surface coating, implant diameter, and single versus multiple implants sup-ported bridges. Length of all implants is kept standardised at 10 mm. Data were statistically analyzed by Students paired t-test and comparison between CBCT and RVG is done using interclass correlation test. The mean crestal bone loss has increased statistically significant from the time of loading and after one year of loading. The average crestal bone loss on single implants were less compared to multiple implants supported bridges at both timings. CBCT shows more accurate and reliable values than RVG both clinically and statistically. It was concluded that crestal bone loss was less among single implants with calcium phosphate surface coating and wider diameter than alumina blasted and narrow diameter implants. Single implant shows less bone loss than multiple implants. The CBCT shows a reliable method of detecting circumferential peri-implant bone defects than RVG.