Peri-implant bone-level changes in the second decade of loading with regard to the implant–abutment connection: a retrospective study on implants under systematic aftercare

Background This retrospective study investigates the change in the peri-implant bone level (PBL) during the 2nd decade of intraoral function in patients complying with a ‘supportive implant therapy’ (SIT) program. The results were statistically analyzed with respect to the implant abutment connection used. Methods In a private practice, only patients with 20-year SIT compliance were identified. Of these, all patients with 10- and 20-year radiographs available were selected. Therefore, no control group was possible and implant losses had to be excluded. Two experienced researchers assessed the peri-implant bone levels. As three different abutment connection concepts (bone-level butt-joint, bone-level conical and tissue-level conical) and two different implant surfaces (machined vs. roughened) were involved, statistical analyses were performed to detect potential differences. Results Ninety-three implants from 36 patients with 20-year SIT compliance and available radiographs were included in the study. At study baseline (10 years intraoral), a mean bone loss of − 1.7 mm (median − 1.2; standard deviation [sd] 1.4, range: 0 to − 7.2) was recorded. After 20 years, we found a mean bone loss of − 2.5 mm (median − 2.3, sd 1.79, range: − 0.5 to + 7.4). Furthermore, we found a mean bone loss of 0.8 mm in intraoral function from year 10 to year 20 (mean: 0.08 mm per year); this change was independent of the abutment connection type. Conclusions During the 2nd decade of function, peri-implant bone loss in patients with SIT compliance might be small in value and should not be expected in all implants.