The Longitudinal Clinical Effectiveness of ITI Solid-Screw Implants in Partially Edentulous Patients: A 5-Year Follow-up Report

A total of 114 ITI solid-screw implants was consecutively placed in 55 partially edentulous patients and restored with 68 fixed prostheses. The patients were followed for at least 5 years in a prospective study that focused on implant success and longitudinal reactions of the peri-implant hard and soft tissues. During the study period, 5 implants failed and 15 implants were lost to follow-up, resulting in a cumulative survival rate of 95.3% after 5 years of loading. The success analysis included additional strictly defined events (first occurrence of marginal bone loss > 4 mm, first occurrence of pocket depth > 4 mm, and first occurrence of crevicular fluid volume > 2.5 mm) and resulted in a cumulative 5-year success rate of 89.0%. Median loss of marginal bone, as observed on radiographs, was 0.7 mm between implant placement and prosthetic treatment and 0.5 mm between prosthesis placement and the 5-year evaluation. Compared to the previous years value, the annual increase in marginal bone loss did not reach a level of statistical significance between 1 and 5 years of function, so that a steady state prevailed. The incidence of lingual-palatal surfaces affected with remarkable plaque deposits increased from 13% after prosthesis placement to 23% after 5 years. Sulcus Bleeding Index, probing depth, attachment level, and crevicular fluid volume were used to describe the health of the peri-implant soft tissues. The research parameters remained almost unchanged and indicated a soft tissue response within physiologic levels. Most mechanical complications were experienced during the first year of loading and were related to loosening of occlusal screws, which occurred in 8 (12%) of 68 restorations. Keywords: bone resorption, dental implants, endosseous dental implantation, oral mucosa, partially edentulous jaw