LONGITUDINAL CLINICAL STUDY ON THE EFFICACY OF OSSEOINTEGRATED DENTAL IMPLANTS IN PARTIALLY EDENTULOUS KOREAN PATIENTS: AN 8-YEAR PROSPECTIVE STUDY

This study was to evaluate the clinical evidence for the success and the predictability of the osseointegrated dental implants in the partially edentulous Korean patients. 201 patients have received total of 502 Branemark implants, which were restored with either single or multiunit fixed superstructures at the Implants Clinic, Yonsei University Dental Hospital. The clinical and radiographic evaluations carried out on the patients for maximum 8 years were assessed annually for peri-implant inflammation, implant mobility (PTV), Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Keratinized Mucosa width and any changes in the surrounding bone level. The radiographs were taken at completion of the restoration, and annually thereafter. On the last recall appointments the patients filled a questionnaire consist of 29 questions in four categories. The cumulative non-failure rate of success was 93.9%. The first year mean bone loss was 0.3mm and less than 0.2mm annually thereafter. The periodontal parameters, keratinized tissue width and periotest values stabilized after initial changes in the first few years. The questionnaire has shown general satisfactory responses in all four aspect of dental implants treatment, including chewing efficacy, comfort, aesthetics and speech. The results support the predictability and success of the long-term rehabilitation of implant supported prostheses in partially edentulous Korean patients.