Human histologic evaluation of a six-year-old threaded implant retrieved from a subject with osteoporosis.

AIM: The aim of this case report was to present the evaluation of the bone-to-implant contact in an implant retrieved from a subject with osteoporosis after six years of load.

BACKGROUND

Systemic conditions associated with osteoporosis have been postulated to contribute to the severity of alveolar bone loss. The increase in human life expectancy, the increased number of elderly subjects who are partially or totally edentulous, and the use of dental implants for oral habilitation in subjects with osteoporosis has raised several questions.

REPORT: A 68-year-old woman with postmenopausal osteoporosis received a prosthetic evaluation of an implant-supported restoration. Histologically, the peri-implant bone appeared healthy. The peri-implant bone appeared in close contact with the implant surface, whereas marrow spaces could be detected in other areas along with prominently stained cement lines. The mean of bone-to-implant contact was 62.51+1.96.

CONCLUSION

The results of the evaluation of the dental implant reported here suggest the presence of osteoporosis may not be a contra-indication for implant placement at least after osseointegration has already been established.