The effect of implant macro‐thread design on implant stability in the early post‐operative period: a randomized, controlled pilot study. Issue 10 (3rd October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCullough, Jeffrey J.; Klokkevold, Perry R.
• Is Part Of: Clinical oral implants research. Volume 28:Issue 10(2017)
• Page Start: 1218
• Page End: 1226
• Publication Date: 2016-10-03
• Subjects: biomechanics -- bone–implant interactions -- clinical research; Dental implants -- Research -- Periodicals; 617.69
• DOI: 10.1111/clr.12945
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-7161

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Available literature suggests there is a transient drop in implant stability from approximately week 0 to week 3–4 as a result of peri‐implant bone remodeling as it transitions from a primary, mechanical stability to a secondary, biological stability. Research investigating the influence of macro‐thread design on this process is scant. Aim: The specific aim of this study was to evaluate the role of macro‐thread design on implant stability in the early post‐operative healing period using resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Material and methods: Seven patients, each missing at least two posterior teeth in the same arch, were included in the study. Three patients qualified for four implants resulting in a total of 10 matched pairs. All sites were healed (>6 months), non‐grafted sites with sufficient bone to place implants. Each site in a matched pair was randomly assigned to receive either a control (Megagen EZ Plus Internal; EZ) or test (Megagen AnyRidge; AR) implant. The test implant incorporates a novel thread design with a wide thread depth and increased thread pitch. RFA was used to determine implant stability quotient (ISQ) values for each implant at the time of placement and weekly for the first 8 weeks. Results: Implants consistently achieved a relatively high insertion torque (30–45 N/cm) and high initial ISQ value (79.8 ± 1.49). Baseline ISQ values for test (AR; 79.55 ± 1.61) and control (EZ; 80.05 ± 1.37) implants were similar. A general pattern of stability from baseline through all eight follow‐up evaluations was observed for the test implants. A pattern of decreasing ISQ values was observed for the control implants across the early follow‐up evaluations up to week four, where the value plateaued. There was a statistically significant main effect due to implant type ( P < 0.01) and a statistically significant interaction between implant type and time ( P < 0.01), indicating that the test and control implants performed differently at certain time points. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, macro‐thread design appears to play a role in implant stability in the early post‐operative healing period as assessed by RFA. These findings may have important implications related to immediate or early loading protocols.