Early Marginal Bone Loss as a Determinant Factor of the Prognosis Rate of Dental Implants: A Prospective Longitudinal Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE

Early marginal bone loss (MBL) influences the prognosis of dental implants. This study aimed to evaluate the extent of early MBL and its relationship with keratinized tissue width (KTW), bleeding on probing (BoP), and other clinical parameters to determine its prognostic significance.

METHODS

A prospective, longitudinal, observational study was conducted on 50 single dental implants placed in partially edentulous patients at Riyadh Elm University. Standardized intraoral periapical radiographs were obtained immediately after implant placement (T0) and 3 months later, before prosthetic loading (T1). Measurements of mesial and distal MBL were performed using Digimizer software (v6.4.0). Clinical parameters, such as KTW and BoP, were recorded, and the prognosis was classified as good, fair, poor, or hopeless. Paired t tests and Pearson's correlation tests were applied with significance set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

A significant difference in MBL was observed between T0 and T1 on both the mesial (-0.886 ± 0.944 mm, t = -6.632, df = 49, P < 0.001) and distal (-0.825 ± 0.923 mm, t = -6.315, df = 49, P < 0.001) surfaces. The mean and standard deviation values of KTW were 4.10 ± 1.09 mm, ranging from 2 to 6 mm. The prognosis distribution was as follows: good (2%), fair (74%), poor (22%), and hopeless (2%). The prognosis score showed a significant correlation with KTW and BoP.

CONCLUSION

Significant early MBL occurred within 3 months of implant placement, representing physiological bone remodeling. Early MBL, KTW, and BoP may serve as early clinical markers. Regular radiographic monitoring during the healing period is essential for ensuring long-term stability.