Resonance vibration frequency analysis (RFA) is widely acknowledged as a commercially available technique has made it possible to evaluate implant stability easily and nondestructively. The stability of an implant is indicated as the implant stability quotient (ISQ) as measured using the Osstell
TM or Osstell
TM mentor.
The purpose of this study was to examine what affected the ISQ value of the Osstell
TM mentor which was a new wireless resonance frequency analyzer. We experimentally installed implants in a mandibular skeletal model made of polyurethane. The ISQ values were measured under various conditions in which the distances between the transducer and the measuring probe, the direction of the measuring probe, and the connecting situations of the transducer were varied. The ISQ values determined by the Osstell
TM and Osstell
TM mentors were compared, and the factors which influenced the ISQ values were assessed.
In addition, four patients treated with an implant prosthesis at Tokushima University Hospital were randomly selected for this study.Eight implants (1 in the maxilla, 7 in mandibles) were measured using the Osstell
TM and Osstell
TM mentors by two measurers. The ISQ values from both devices were compared by calculating correlation analyses and drawing scatterplots, and conducting regression analysis.
The results are summarized as follows:
1. The ISQ values obtained using the Osstell
TM mentor were affected by the distances between the transducer and the probe, how the transducer was connected, as well as by the type of materials lying between the implant and transducer.
2. Compared with the ISQ values for both devices, there was an obvious correlation.
3. The ISQ value range for the Osstell
TM mentor was smaller than that for the Osstell
TM mentor.
4. There were no statistical differences in the ISQ values of the Osstell
TM mentor between the two measurers.
The results of this study suggest that there is agreement between both devices for evaluating implant stability and that the Osstell
TM mentor is the more precise and easier device to use.
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