Key Points
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Several methods of clinically evaluating single tooth dental implants are reviewed, only serial radiographs were found to be a useful indicator of implant success or failure.
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Several studies have shown that hydroxylapatite coated dental implants have a high initial success rate but long-term survival still remains in doubt, as progressive bone loss seems to be a common finding in this type of implant.
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Previous reports have shown a high incidence of crown loosening and emergence profile problems with single tooth restorations. This paper shows a similar range of problems.
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the clinical effectiveness, common complications and maintenance associated with hydroxylapatite (HA) coated cylindrical implants when used to support single crowns.
Design A prospective medium term clinical study of the Calcitek HA-coated implant.
Setting Implant placement, crown fabrication and follow-up procedures were carried out at the Leeds Dental Institute, between 1990 and 1998.
Subjects and method 26 patients (33 implants) participated in the trial. They were referred from general dental practitioners because of their suitability for single tooth implant placement.
Main outcome measures The implants were assessed using recognised clinical review procedures eg radiographs and soft tissue assessments.
Results At exposure there was 100% implant integration. The cumulative survival rate over 4 years was 100%. In five implants there was cervical bone loss of more than 4 mm and these were classified as failing. This gave an overall cumulative success rate of 58% by year 4.
Conclusion The Calcitek HA-coated single tooth implant shows exceptionally high initial integration. However, the longer term results suggest that the cervical bone level adjacent to the implant failed to establish a steady state. Doubts remain regarding the long-term prognosis of these cylindrical HA-coated implants.
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Briggs, P. Hydroxylapatite coated dental implants. Br Dent J 187, 88 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4800210a1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4800210a1
