The Effect of Patient-related Factors Age, Sex, Implant Location, and Periodontitis on Crestal Bone Loss in the Posterior Ridge: A Retrospective Study.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of patient-related factors such as age, sex, implant location, and history of periodontitis, on crestal bone loss in the posterior region throughout the surgical healing and functional periods.

Materials and methods: This study evaluated 311 implants from 163 patients, with an average follow-up of 27.10 months. Implants were assessed based on age, sex, implant location, and history of periodontitis. Crestal bone loss was quantified by measuring bone level changes using oral panoramic radiographs. Time T1 was defined as the period from implant placement to the healing phase, and T2 as the period from the second-stage surgery to the follow-up visit. Group comparisons were made using the Mann-Whitney U-test, with significance set at p 0.05.

Result: At T1, crestal bone loss averaged 0.27 ± 0.40 mm; at T2, it averaged 0.40 ± 0.50 mm. A statistically significant difference at T1 was observed between patients aged 20-39 and 40-59, and between these two age groups in female patients (p 0.05). During T2, within the 40-59 age group, bone resorption differed statistically significantly between males and females (p 0.05). Statistically significant differences were also noted between males aged 40-59 and those 60 years or older, and between females aged 20-39 and 40-59 (p 0.05). There were no differences between the other groups.

Conclusion: Crestal bone loss correlates with patient age and sex. Increased attention should be given to female patients within certain age ranges. Patients with history of periodontitis can maintain bone tissue stability around the implant.