Clinical Performance of Dentsply Osseospeed Implants in Posterior Regions of the Mouth After 5-Years

Objectives: (1) To evaluate the survival and clinical performance of Dentsply Osseospeed implants used in the posterior regions of the mouth as a function of bone level and tissue health; (2) To determine possible failure mechanisms for peri-implantitis.

Methods: 258 endosseous implants (Osseospeed, Dentsply) were placed to support 129 3-unit FDPs in the posterior region of the mouth. Patients were recalled to evaluate the FDPs as well as the implants at 6 months and yearly for 5 years after loading. Radiographs were taken at these intervals and compared with baseline radiographs prior to loading. Implants were evaluated according to the ICOI health scale for dental implants with 1 a success; 2 satisfactory survival; 3 compromised survival; and 4 as a clinical or absolute failure based on the presence or absence of pain, mobility, bone loss and exudates. Failed implants were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy and optical profilometry to determine changes on surface morphology.

Results: At 5 years, two implants necessitated removal with total bone loss and two implants had an ICOI ranking of 3 to give an overall success rate of 99% of all recalled implants. The two lost implants caused loss of the prostheses. Changes in surface morphology were noted as possible corrosion which could have contributed to failure of the implants. There were five cases of implant thread exposure as a result of very thin mucosa causing gingival recession.

Conclusions: Osseospeed implants demonstrated an excellent survival rate for posterior areas of the mouth within a 5-year period of loading.