2022 Volume 42 Issue 1 Pages 30-37
Biomechanical and prosthetic factors affecting the peri-implant bone change following the superstructure placement have been still unclear. This clinical pilot study aimed to evaluate the factors affecting the three-dimensional (3D) volumetric changes of peri-implant buccal bone using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data following the superstructure placement. Fifteen implants placed in a single mandibular molar or premolar area of 13 patients were enrolled in this study. A screw retained superstructure made of monolithic zirconia was placed at an average of 4.6 ± 1 months following implant placement. CBCT examinations were performed twice: at the superstructure placement and approximately 1-year (12.5 ± 0.9 months) following placement. 3D superimposition of the two sets of CBCT images was performed, and the peri-implant buccal bone volumetric change was calculated. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between peri-implant buccal bone volumetric change and the biomechanical and prosthetic factors. Although both bone increase and decrease cases were observed, remarkable 3D buccal bone volumetric changes were not observed in most cases. Bone changes were significant surrounding the implant platform area compared to the implant apex area. Multiple regression analysis revealed that a large crown-to-implant ratio significantly influenced the 3D bone volumetric change (p < 0.05).
