Retrospective Analysis of Dental Implants among Air Force Basic Trainees

Objective: To determine the prevalence of endosseous dental implants among the Air Force basic trainees and attempt radiographical identification of the dental implant systems. Methods: The panoramic radiographs of newly recruited Air Force trainees were inspected in order to determine the prevalence of dental implants. All digital panoramic radiographic images acquired from 1 Oct 2006 through 31 July 2007 were evaluated for evidence of endosseous dental implants. The following data was collected: total number of implants per radiograph, subject sex and age, implant location, type of implant retention method, and restorative implant status. The implants obtained were categorized as Nobel-Biocare type or non-Nobel-Biocare type. All radiographs with detectable dental implants were subsequently re-examined by a board certified periodontist, under 2.5x magnification, for category verification. Results: A total of 47 radiographs were identified with 63 endosseous dental implants being detected out of 26,293 panoramic radiographs surveyed. From the population of basic trainees with radiographically detectable dental implants, the average age was 21 years with 32 males and 15 females. All of the implants were threaded. Of the 63 identified dental implants, 34 were Nobel-Biocare type and 29 were non-Nobel-Biocare type. There were 51 maxillary and 12 mandibular implants with 53 located in the anterior and 10 in the posterior. There were 5 implants that still require a final restoration. Conclusions: The prevalence of endosseous dental implants among Air Force basic trainees is small -0.239%. For continuity of care, the Air Force Clinical Practice Guidelines recommends the use of Nobel Biocare, 3i or compatible clones. Fifty-four percent of the implants were identified as Nobel-Biocare type, however the remaining implants were non-Nobel-Biocare type, which may require additional armamentarium outside of that supplied and maintained in Air Force dental facilities.