Long-term evaluation of osseointegrated dental implants in the treatment of partly edentulous patients

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiographic and microbiological status of implants after 10 years of functional load in patients treated for partial edentulism. Method: 15 patients, each successfully treated with 2-6 implants ad modum Branemark placed in free-standing fixed prostheses, were included in the study. Results: Clinical evaluation revealed similar degrees of inflammation around teeth and implants. The probing pocket depth (PPD) was significantly greater around implants than around teeth. The mean marginal bone loss during 10 years of functional load was comparable to that found at the time of the 5-year follow-up. 74% of the implants remained free of marginal bone loss exceeding 1 mm. Marginal bone loss exceeding 2 mm, was found at only 5 sites. No marked differences in bacteria were present between teeth and implants. T. denticola, S. intermedia and P. micros were the commonest organisms detected around teeth and implants. The periodontal pathogens A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, B. forsythus, and T. denticola, were found at implants with a marginal bone loss of more than 2 mm. Conclusion: Our study shows that the long-term results with implants in partially dentate patients are similar to those seen in edentulous patients and that no significant change occurred after 5-year follow-up over an additional period of 5 years.