Time-Dependent Changes in Implant Stability and the Influence of Clinical Parameters: A 12-Week Resonance Frequency Analysis-Based Study.

Introduction: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the influence of insertion torque and various clinical parameters on directional changes in implant stability, as measured by resonance frequency analysis (RFA), over a 12-week healing period.

Materials and methods: A total of 82 implants placed in 36 patients were analyzed. Insertion torque values (<35 Ncm or ≥35 Ncm) and Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) measurements in buccolingual (BL) and mesiodistal (MD) directions were recorded intraoperatively and at weeks 1, 4, and 12. ISQ trends were compared across clinical variables including implant diameter, shape, length, placement timing, surface type, anatomical location, and patient gender.

Results: ISQ values demonstrated a time-dependent pattern, with an increase at week 1, a dip at week 4, and a rebound by week 12. Statistically significant changes were observed in both BL and MD directions (p < 0.05). Insertion torque ≥35 Ncm was consistently associated with higher ISQ values at all time points. Implant diameter and patient gender showed limited, time-specific effects. Other parameters, including implant shape, length, placement timing, surface type, and location, did not significantly affect ISQ values. Four implants failed during follow-up, corresponding to a cumulative success rate of 95.1%.

Conclusion: Insertion torque is a significant predictor of early implant stability. While ISQ values follow a dynamic healing pattern, direction-specific RFA provides valuable insights into changes in stability. These findings support the complementary use of insertion torque and RFA in clinical implant monitoring, particularly during the early healing phase.