Evaluation of Bone Mineral Content - Time After Dental Implant Placement

Objectives: Currently, there was been few studies published in the literature that show how mineral content is correlated to time after implant placement. This study investigated the correlation between bone mineral content (BMC) and time.

Methods: Seventeen patients (14 female, 3 male) with mean age of 52 years (range, 29 to 74 years). Each patient received two Straumann^® implants (30 in the mandible, 4 in the maxilla) in the posterior maxilla or the posterior mandible: one chemically modified, sandblasted, acid-etched surfaced implant (SLActive Surface) and one sandblasted, acid-etched surfaced implant (SLA surface). The implants were restored and loaded with individual temporary prostheses at 6 weeks and with definitive prostheses at 12 weeks.  BMC was calculated using the step wedge method.  Measurements for BMC were taken at the crestal region, with apical/lateral measurements used a control.

Results: The bone mineral content BMC did change significantly (p=0.0001) over time, but apical BMC did not change significantly over time. At surgery the BMC was 11.2±4.0; it slowly increased to 11.7±4.5 at time day 42; and then decreased to 8.8±5.3 at 3 months; it retained 8.9±4.9 at 12 months.  For apical BMC at surgery it was 14.1±3.9.0; it slowly increased to 16.8±5.6 at time day 42; and then decreased to 13.6±6.6 at 3 months; it kept 13.7±7.8 at 12 months. 

Conclusions: There was significant correlation of bone density over time.  Step wedge values had high variability for BMC. 

This work was supported by the ITI foundation.