A 10-year retrospective analysis of marginal bone-level changes around implants in periodontally healthy and periodontally compromised tobacco smokers

Abstract

Aim: To compare the 10-year marginal bone loss rates around implants supporting single-unit crowns in tobacco smokers with and without a history of treated periodontitis. Materials and methods: In this retrospective controlled study, 40 tobacco smokers were divided into four groups of 10 patients each. Two groups of periodontally compromised (PC) patients and two groups of periodontally healthy (PH) patients were established. PC patients had been treated for their periodontal conditions before implant placement. All patients were enrolled in a regular, individually tailored maintenance care program. For the rehabilitation of PC and PH patients, two different types of implants were used (Nobel Biocare AB; Straumann ® Dental Implant System). The radiographic bone loss rate was calculated by subtracting the bone levels at the time of crown delivery from the bone levels at the 10-year follow-up. Results: The mean age, mean full-mouth plaque score and full-mouth bleeding score and implant location were similar for the four groups. Implant survival rates ranged between 70% and 100%, without statistically significant differences between the four groups (P>0.05). Implants placed in PC patients yielded statistically significantly higher marginal bone loss rates compared with those in PH patients (P<0.05), independent of the implant system used. Conclusion: After 10 years, implants placed in tobacco smokers with a history of treated periodontitis and enrolled in a supportive therapy program yielded lower survival rates and higher marginal bone loss rates compared with those of implants placed in PH smokers. These outcomes were independent of the implant system installed or the healing modality applied. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.