Research Article Open Access

Impact of Computer-Assisted Implantology on Bone Resorption and Papilla Height: Long-Term Implant Success Over a 3- to 10- Year Follow-Up Period

Abstract

Objectives: Backward planning based on digital volume tomography, augmentation before implantation, and navigated implant insertion may enhance long-term implant success; however, long-term clinical data to support this claim are lacking. Additionally, whether the claim holds true for each type of prosthetic restoration, and whether the type of prosthetic restoration has a significant impact on implant success, remains unclear.

The purpose is to estimate the long-term implant success and two additional scores (peri-implant bone level and gingival papillae height) as a function of the application and manner of computer-assisted implantology.

Materials and methods: A total of 1437 implants placed in 317 patients were retrospectively analysed by examining the digital patient records from May 2009 to May 2021, allowing for a 3-year to 10-year follow-up of individual patients. The influence of the planning method, implantation protocol, and prosthetic restoration on the long-term success was evaluated using the Walton criteria.

Results: Extended backward planning, including 3D radiographs, resulted in more stable long-term bone and papilla conditions for implants placed in previously augmented areas.

Conclusion: Extended backward planning (augmentation of the implant site and navigated insertion of the implant) correlates with long-term implant success.

Clinical relevance: In the context of this study, various clinical parameters had no significant influence on long-term implant success. However, the influence may be enhanced by extended backward planning followed by augmentation and guided implant placement.

Manfred Nilius*, Minou Hélène Nilius, Guenter Lauer

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