Implant therapy in periodontally compromised patients

The present study evaluates the outcome of implant therapy in periodontally compromised patients in need of additional functional tooth support. A total of 31 Astra(R) implants and 93 ITI Dental Implant System implants were inserted in 19 and 56 patients, respectively. The length of the implants varied between 8 and 14 mm, with 45% being 8 mm and 21% being 11 mm or more. Most implants were placed in the maxilla, predominantly in the premolar region, while less than 25% were placed in the mandible. The observation period ranged between 12 and 40 months for Astra implants and between 3 and 84 months for ITI implants. At annual recall visits, 4 sites on all implants were assessed for presence of plaque, bleeding on probing, probing depth, and radiographic assessment of bone loss was performed. A total of 3 implants, all ITI implants, failed, yielding a 3-year survival rate of 95-100%, depending on type of implant. After 3 years, 76-86% of all implants remained free from radiographic bone loss greater than or equal to 1.5 mm. After 5 years, 55% of the ITI implants remained free from such bone loss. These results indicate that periodontally compromised patients, who have experienced a considerable loss of alveolar bony support, can be successfully treated with implants.