Radiographic and Clinical Evaluation of Single-Tooth Biolok Implants: A 5-year Study

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective clinical and radiographic study was to evaluate Biolok implants used for single-tooth replacement during 5 years of function. Materials and Methods: Thirty-nine patients received Biolok implants for single-tooth replacement. Clinical and radiographic recordings were made at baseline (placement of restoration) and at 1, 3, and 5 years. Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and clinical attachment level were the clinical parameters recorded. Clinical attachment level was measured using a customized probing template and a standard pressure electronic probe. Bone level changes were measured from standardized radiographs. Clinical attachment level and bone level were recorded to the nearest 0.1 mm. Correlations between clinical attachment level, bone level, PI, and GI were evaluated. Results: The cumulative survival rate was 97.4% (38 of 39 implants). The mean clinical attachment level change over 5 years was a loss of 0.17 ± 0.23 mm. Significant correlations between clinical attachment level change and PI were found at 3 and 5 years (P .015). Significant correlations between clinical attachment level change and GI were not found (P > .05). Mean bone loss was 0.83 ± 0.03 mm from baseline to 1 year, 0.26 ± 0.03 mm from 1 year to 3 years, and 0.14 ± 0.04 mm from 3 to 5 years. Significant correlations between bone level changes and PI or GI were not found (P > .05). Discussion: Over a 5-year evaluation period, the bone levels and clinical attachment levels were stable. These results were consistent with other studies of single-tooth implants. Conclusions: After 5 years of function, the results suggest that Biolok implants can be successfully used for single-tooth replacement.