Clinical Evaluation and Diagnostic Parameters for Monitoring the Prognosis of Implants

Abstract

The clinical utilization of dental implants has accelerated in recent years, and new applications continue to emerge. Concomitantly, alternative implant systems have introduced conceptually different approaches to treatment using altered protocols. The purpose of this paper is to address some of the background issues pertinent to the long-term success, survival, safety, and effectiveness of these devices. The requirements for clinical acceptance of implants are controlled initially by regulatory bodies; however, the dentist eventually must make a decision on which type of implant should be used in clinical practice. This clinical decision-making process should involve the strategy of using an evidence-based approach to ensure quality of care and reduction of liability for negligent care. The clinical assessment of osseointegration is based on mechanical stability rather histological criteria, considering primary stability (absence of mobility in bone bed after implant insertion) and secondary stability (bone formation and remodeling at implant-bone interface). Keywords: Osseointegration, implants failure evaluation, resonance frequency analysis, reverse torque test