Purpose: To investigate the survival rate of dental implants in patients diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI).
Materials and Methods: The study is a retrospective analysis of six individuals (2 males, 4 females) with OI (type I, III and IV) with a total of 25 dental implants. Clinical examination included plaque index, gingival index, periodontal pocket depth for each implant, presence of pus, and loosening of the implant(s). Marginal bone loss was measured on radiographs. The observation period ranged from 2–17 years (mean:7.5 years, median: 5 years).
Results: The overall implant survival rate was 80%. One patient with OI type III lost five implants. However, four out of five lost implants functioned for 11 years.
Conclusion: Dental implant treatment seems to be a valid option for replacing missing teeth in OI patients. It is recommended that patients diagnosed with OI undergo the same preoperative evaluation as regular dental implant patients with special emphasis on a healthy periodontal status and ideal oral hygiene.
Keywords: dental implants, implant success, implant survival, osteogenesis imperfecta
