Marginal bone loss in dental implants: A literature review of risk factors and treatment strategies for prevention.

PURPOSE: Marginal bone loss (MBL) occurs in the periapical cervical bone after dental implant placement and abutment connection. MBL may not result in peri-implantitis; however, it is always accompanied by MBL. Recent studies have demonstrated that early MBL is a predictor of peri-implantitis. In this narrative review, we aimed to provide an evidence base for recommended treatment strategies for clinicians to prevent MBL. STUDY SELECTION: We reviewed the recent literature and performed a narrative synthesis of the evidence, focusing on available systematic reviews and meta-analyses of implant marginal bone resorption. RESULTS: The available evidence indicates that certain biological, material, and technical factors can influence MBL and consequently dictate the risk of developing peri-implant disease in later years. The order of the impact of the strength of each factor is unknown. Current recommendations to prevent MBL include controlling patients' smoking and hemoglobin A1c levels to sufficiently low levels before surgery and throughout their lifetime. Regarding the material, a platform-switching, conical-connecting implant system, and an abutment with a height of at least 2 mm should be selected. Placement should be performed using techniques that ensure sufficient soft tissue (keratinized gingival width > 2 mm, supracrestal tissue height > 3 mm), and non-undersized preparations in the cortical bone should be made with connected concave abutments during primary or secondary surgery. Patients should receive supportive peri-implant therapy during maintenance. CONCLUSIONS: MBL development is multifactorial and can be reduced by considering the biological, material, and technical factors.

Gonial angle and late implant loss: A retrospective clinical study.

PURPOSE: Occlusal overload can cause late implant loss. However, whether the magnitude of the occlusal force is a risk factor for late implant loss remains unclear. Thus, this clinical study aimed to determine the relationship between the gonial angle (GoA), which is associated with the magnitude of occlusal force, and late implant loss. METHODS: All implants with fixed prostheses placed at the Niigata University Hospital between April 2006 and August 2019 were included in this retrospective study. The implants with and without late loss were compared. Relevant variables, including smoking habits, diabetes mellitus status, remaining dentition, implant length and diameter, prosthesis design, retention systems, splinting, and GoA were assessed. Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and to calculate the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for late implant loss. RESULTS: A total of 919 patients (349 men and 570 women) with 2512 implants were included in this study. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that a 10° decrease in the GoA (aHR, 1.588; 95% CI, 1.115-1.766; P = 0.010), smoking habits (aHR, 3.909; 95% CI, 2.131-7.168; P < 0.001), and male sex (aHR, 2.584; 95% CI, 1.376-4.850; P = 0.003) were significantly associated with late implant loss. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this retrospective study of 2512 implants, smaller GoA, smoking habits, and male sex were risk factors for late implant loss.

Masseter muscle cross-sectional area and late implant failure: A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Occlusal overload is considered to be one of the causes of late implant failure. However, it is unclear whether the magnitude of the patient's occlusal force is a risk factor for late implant failure. PURPOSE: This case-control study aimed to clarify the association between the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the masseter muscle and late implant failure. METHODS: This case-control study was limited to implant-supported fixed prostheses. We compared cases with at least one late implant failure (n = 25 patients) to controls (n = 82 patients) without implant failure. Patients were matched by age, sex, year of surgery, jaw and tooth type, and bone graft. Log-rank and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to identify possible risk factors for late implant failure. RESULTS: The incidence of late implant failure was significantly associated with masseter muscle CSA ≥504.5 mm2 (hazard ratio: 4.43; 95% CI: 1.82-10.79; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Higher masseter muscle CSA increases the risk of late implant failure.