Resonance Frequency Analysis and Biomarkers around One Stage Dental Implants

Objective: Successful outcome of dental implant surgery depends on stability of the implant fixture at the time of surgery and during the healing process. The aim of this study was to test implant stability during osseointegration period at grafted and non-grafted sites, using Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA). Changes in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) volume and concentration of specific wound healing biomarkers were also investigated.

Methods: Thirty-five adult patients (15 female, 20 male, age 52±15 years) scheduled for single stage implant placement were included. RFA readings were obtained at the time of placement, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks post operatively. PICF volume was determined using Periotron. Differences between grafted and non-grafted sites were analyzed by using factorial ANOVA with repeated measures for time factor. Possible correlations between clinical parameters were investigated by using Pearson's coefficient. Bio-Plex cytokine assay system was used to study PICF concentration of various wound healing markers including IL-1β, IL-8, VEGF, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α.

Results: RFA showed a difference in ISQ (Implant Stability Quotient) between grafted and non-grafted sites. This difference was statistically significant at week 3 (P=0.02) and week 6 (P=0.05), and became non-significant by week 12. There was no statistically significant difference in Gingival or Plaque Indices for grafted and non-grafted sites, and these indices were statistically correlated. PICF volume was significantly increased at 1 week but was similar to adjacent gingival crevicular fluid volume by week 12. In general, a significant increase was observed in PICF IL-1β, IL-8 and VEGF concentrations during the first week of healing, at both grafted and non-grafted sites.

Conclusion: RFA readings, clinical parameters, PICF volume and cytokine concentrations demonstrate significant changes in the course of postoperative healing of one-stage dental implants. RFA readings are differentially affected at grafted and non-grafted sites.