Front tooth replacement with Tübingen (Frialit) implants: a radiographical evaluation.

A total of 214 radiographs of 76 Tübingen implants placed in the anterior region of the maxillae of 56 patients were evaluated by two observers. The first radiographs were taken after implant placement (n = 76). The second set of radiographs were taken during months 13-23 (n = 53), the third during the months 24-35 (n = 28), the fourth during months 36-47 (n = 15), the fifth during months 48-59 (n = 18) and the sixth during months 60-72 (n = 20). Only four radiographs were available after longer periods, namely the eight and the ten year of function. The two observers together classified the marginal bone height (mesial and distal) as 0 (no resorption) or 1-5 in steps of 2.5 mm resorption. A score of 1 represents marginal bone resorption less than 2.5 mm, 2 from 2.5 mm to 5 mm, 3 from 5 to 7.5 mm, 4 from 7.5 to 10 mm and 5 more than 10 mm loss of marginal bone height. Thirty-six implants scored marginal bone height of 0 or 1. Twenty-two implants scored not higher than 2. Eight implants scored bone loss up to 3, four up to 4 and one up to 5. Five implants were lost.