Prospective Evaluation of 202 Morse Tapper Implants: Results from an 8-Year Follow-up Study

Objectives: Implant-supported restorations using morse tapper implants have been a reliable restorative option with high success rates. However, longitudinal evaluation of those restorationwithBrazilianimplantbrandsmustbeanalyzed. The aim of this longitudinal prospective study was to evaluate the success rate, the incidence of peri-implantitis and the peri-implant bone loss means around morse tapper implants with sandblasted and acid-etchedsurfacesafter8yearsunderfunctionalloading.
Methods: Twohundredandtwoimplants ranging between 3.5-5.5mm of diameter and 7-13mm length were placed in 44 subjects with mean ageof50.12years.Radiographicevaluationwasperformedbyintra-oral radiographs at 2, 12, 36, 60 and 96 months. Demographical data as abutment type, history of periodontitis, smoking and implant loss was also evaluated and associated with clinical parameters.
Results: Eight implants were lost during the entire period reaching a success rate of 96.63%. The peri-implant bone loss ranged between 0.86+0.39mm at first 2 months to 1.10+0.77mm after 96 months, that was statistically significant after 12 months. The incidence of peri-implantitis (probing depth higher or equalto5mm, bleeding on probing and/or suppuration, and bone loss >3mm)wasof3.96%. History of periodontitis, smoking, and abutments with less than 1.0mm neck distance were positively correlated with peri-implantitis (p<0.01).
Conclusions: Within the limits of this longitudinal study, it could be concluded that the morse taper implant system using platform switching present high success rate and lower incidence of peri-implantitis, at least until 8 years of evaluation.