Comparison of clinical peri-implant indices and crestal bone levels around narrow and regular diameter implants placed in diabetic and non-diabetic patients: A 3-year follow-up study

Background Studies evaluating and comparing clinical and radiographic peri-implant indices around narrow diameter implants (NDIs; <3.3 mm) and regular diameter implants (RDIs) in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-diabetic individuals are deficient. Objective To estimate and compare the clinical and radiographic indices around NDIs and RDIs placed in T2DM and non-diabetic patients. Materials and Methods Eighty-six patients requiring implant surgery in the posterior mandible were divided into two groups (42 T2DM and 44 non-diabetic individuals). Patients were further categorized into two subgroups on the basis of diameter of implants: (1) patients with NDIs (3.3 mm o) and (2) patients with RDIs (4.1 mm o). Clinical indices evaluating plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and crestal bone levels (CBL) were recorded around all dental implants at 18 and 36 months follow up. Serum hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test was carried out for both groups to assess the profile of glycosylated hemoglobin at baseline, 18 and 36 months of follow up. Results The mean age of patients in T2DM group and non-diabetic group was 45.2 and 41.6 years, respectively. At 18 and 36 months follow up, mean HbA1c levels were 6.5% and 4.5% and 6.7% and 4.5% in T2DM and non-diabetic individuals, respectively. A statistically significant reduction in mean HbA1c levels from the baseline to respective follow-up periods were seen in T2DM patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall mean scores of PI, BOP, PD, and CBL around NDIs and RDIs among T2DM and non-diabetic patients at 18 and 36 months of follow up. Conclusion NDIs show reliable clinical stability and radiographic bone levels as RDIs placed in T2DM and non-diabetic individuals, provided oral hygiene and glycemic status are strictly maintained.