Using 45S5 Bioglass Cones as Endosseous Ridge Maintenance Implants to Prevent Alveolar Ridge Resorption: A 5-Year Evaluation

Bioglass cones acting as space fillers after removal of tooth roots delay the resorption of alveolar ridges. In 1987, 242 implants in 29 patients with a mean postimplantation interval of 19.9 months were reported by the authors. Bioglass cones had been fitted snugly at least 2 mm below the alveolar crest, and dentures were placed no sooner than 6 weeks following tooth removal; 2.9% had been lost and 3.7% developed dehiscences. The present report on 168 implants in 20 recalled patients (mean postimplantation interval of 63.2 months) revealed a loss of 14.3% implants in the anterior mandible; however, the present data demonstrate a statistically significant reten tion rate in the anterior maxilla. With this high rate of Bioglass cone retention (85.7%) after 5 years, their placement into fresh sockets to maintain the alveolar ridge is recommended.