Longitudinal Study of Peri-Implant Crestal Bone Loss in Relation to Periodontal Status of Adjacent Teeth

Abstract

Background:
Dental implants are a successful therapeutic option for missing teeth, yet their long-term success can be impacted by peri-implant diseases, particularly peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. These conditions involve progressive bone loss around the implant, with the periodontal health of adjacent teeth playing a crucial role in peri-implant tissue stability.

Objective:
The primary aim of this study is to longitudinally evaluate peri-implant crestal bone loss (PICBL) over an extended follow-up period, focusing on the influence of the periodontal status of adjacent natural teeth on bone stability around dental implants.

Methods:
A longitudinal observational study was conducted with a sample of 48 dental implants, categorized into two groups based on the periodontal health of adjacent teeth: healthy and periodontally compromised. Data were collected on periodontal parameters, implant placement protocols, and radiographic assessments. Crestal bone loss was measured through periapical radiographs taken at baseline, prosthetic loading, and subsequent follow-ups. Statistical analysis included mixed-effects linear regression to assess the impact of periodontal health on PICBL.

Results:
The study found that implants adjacent to periodontally compromised teeth experienced significantly greater bone loss (mean: 0.54 mm) compared to those adjacent to healthy teeth (mean: 0.32 mm, p < 0.01). Periodontal parameters, including probing pocket depth and bleeding on probing, were significantly worse in the compromised group, suggesting an inflammatory pathway linking periodontal health to peri-implant bone loss. No implant failures occurred, though peri-implant mucositis was more frequent near diseased teeth.

Conclusion:
The study highlights the significant influence of adjacent periodontal health on peri-implant crestal bone loss. Implants adjacent to periodontally compromised teeth showed greater early-stage bone loss, emphasizing the need for comprehensive periodontal management before and after implant placement to optimize long-term implant success.