Marginal Bone Support on Dental Implants With Sloped Marginal Contours

Objective. This study was conducted to evaluate the maintenance of marginal bone levels following placement of a sloped implant into a healed alveolar ridge where the bone slopes from lingual to buccal. Background. In situations where the crest of the alveolar bone is higher on the lingual than on the buccal, placement of a standard implant may be complicated. Methods. In this prospective, open, multicenter study, 65 patients between 18 and 75 years of age requiring replacement of a single tooth in a healed ridge were included. Inclusion criteria included: a difference in ridge height of 2 – 5 mm, and missing the tooth for at least 3 months. Sloped implants were placed and bone levels were evaluated after 16 weeks of healing followed by restoration with a cement retained definitive crown. Radiographs and clinical measurements were taken at 16 weeks, 21 weeks and 52 weeks after implant placement. Results. Implant survival was 100%, minimal changes in marginal bone were seen (mean = -0.2mm on the lingual and buccal at 16 weeks and -0.6mm on the proximal at 52 weeks.) Conclusion. The sloped implant is a predictable treatment option in cases where the bone slopes from lingual to buccal. Grants. This study was supported by Astra Tech AB, Mölndal, Sweden.