Long-Term (9–12 Years) Outcomes of Titanium Implants With an Oxidized Surface: A Retrospective Investigation on 209 Implants

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to retrospectively assess the long-term clinical and radiological results in a group of patients treated with Brånemark TiUnite implants supporting mostly single-tooth and partial restorations. The clinical records of 90 consecutive patients (mean age 55.9 years; range 21-82 years), treated with 209 Brånemark System MkIII or MkIV TiUnite implants (72 maxillary/137 mandibular; 26 anterior intercanine/183 posterior sites), were analyzed. Indication types were single tooth (n = 21 implants), partial (n = 180) and full arches (n = 8). A delayed loading protocol was applied in 128 implants, while 81 were immediately loaded. Cumulative survival rate and marginal bone remodeling were evaluated. Marginal bone level was evaluated by an independent radiologist from periapical radiographs taken at implant insertion and at long-term follow up. Plaque, probing pocket depth and peri-implant mucosa conditions were also assessed. The results showed the mean follow-up duration was 11.0 years (range 9.6-12.4 years): 181 implants (90.5%) reached at least 10 years follow-up, 100 implants 11 years, and 17 implants 12 years. Overall, 6 implants failed in 4 patients (5 during the first year and 1 after 2 years) resulting in a 97.1% survival rate after 12 years. Mean bone levels at implant insertion and at the last follow up were -0.90 ± 1.16 mm (mean ± SD; n = 169) and -1.49 ± 0.95 mm (n = 195), respectively. Mean marginal bone remodeling from implant insertion to the last follow-up was -0.60 ± 1.17 mm (n = 168). At the last available follow-up, mean pocket depth was 1.65 ± 0.84 mm. Peri-implant mucosa was normal for the majority (97%) of implants. In conclusion, this retrospective long-term study showed excellent survival rate of TiUnite implants as well as favorable marginal bone response and soft tissue conditions.