Correlation Between Mucosal Inflammation and Marginal Bone Loss Around Hydroxyapatite-Coated Implants: A 3-Year Cross-Sectional Study

In this study, a possible correlation between peri-implant mucosal inflammation and marginal bone loss in a group of patients who received two-stage hydroxyapatite-coated dental implants was evaluated 3 years after implantation. Thirty-two implants were evaluated as to their Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and crevicular fluid volume. Patients were divided into three groups: a control group with no inflammatory signs; a borderline group with moderate inflammation; and a gingivitis group with an established inflammatory process. Three dental radiographs per implant were analyzed at 2 months, 9 months, and 3 years after implantation by measuring bone height at the mesial and distal sides. Preliminary results indicated increas ed bone resorption in the gingivitis group compared with the control and borderline groups at both the mesial and distal surfaces (P .05), suggesting correlation between mucosal inflammation and marginal resorption observed around these implants. Statistical analysis of correlation between the assessed mucosal parameters and bone loss indicated significance for Gingival Index and crevicular fluid volume (P .05).