Influence of mini-implant length on crestal bone loss: A one-year follow-up

Abstract

Context: Implant geometry is reported to be one of the several factors that influence bone loss. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the length of mini-implants on radiographic bone loss measured mesially and distally. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients (four male and eight female), with a mean age of 21.6 years (range, 16-38), were included in this study. All selected patients had bilateral congenital missing maxillary lateral incisors. Each patient received two implants (Narrow ridge, MS, Osstem, Korea), which were fitted in limited interdental space cases and immediately loaded. The implants were divided randomly into two groups. Twelve 10-mm-long implants and twelve 13-mm-long implants were inserted. Bone loss measurements were obtained from the images of successive traditional radiographs, which were previously scanned and digitized, analyzed at 800% magnification. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the mean marginal bone loss at 12 months as well as to explore the potential effect of implant length on bone loss. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square analysis was used to compare the means. Results: The mean crestal bone loss in the group that received 10-mm implants was 1.36 (0.45) mm mesially and 1.55 (0.32) mm distally, while in the 13-mm group it was 0.71 (0.27) mm and 0.61 (0.35) mm, respectively; this demonstrated a significantly lower bone loss at 12 months on the mesial as well as distal side in the latter group. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present study, we identified a negative correlation between mini-implant length and bone loss.