Peri-implant complications for posterior endosteal implants

Objectives: (1) To assess whether there is evidence of an association between the number of peri-implant tissue complications and patient characteristics such as gender, diabetes status, smoking status, and bite force; (2) To assess whether there is evidence of an association between the number of peri-implant tissue complications and location of the implant, surgical technique used, bone graft status and sinus lift status. Materials and methods: This randomized, controlled clinical trial included a total of 176 implants (OsseoSpeed, DENTSPLY) in 67 participants with 88 fixed dental prostheses. Information was obtained from health histories, a baseline exam, surgical notes, and post-operative exams. The data were analyzed using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests and generalized estimating equations using logistic regression with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: All 176 implants survived within a recall period of 3years, but 11 implants demonstrated peri-implant tissue complications. Ten sites showed dehiscence and one case exhibited vertical bone loss. There was a statistically significant association between surgical technique used (1-stage or 2-stage) and the presence of soft tissue complications (P=0.005), where 2-stage surgery was associated with a higher frequency of peri-implant soft tissue complications. A correlation, although not statistically significant (P=0.077), was noted, between peri-implant tissue complications and bone grafting, suggesting a possible role for this factor as well. Conclusions: Participants who did not require any second-stage surgery at the implant sites experienced fewer complications. Therefore, additional surgical procedures should be performed judiciously considering their possible effects on peri-implant tissue health.