Peri-implant marginal bone loss rate pre- and post-loading: An exploratory analysis of associated factors

Objectives To perform an exploratory analysis of factors influencing annual rates of peri-implant marginal bone loss (RBL) calculated over different time frames, at implants unaffected by peri-implantitis. Material and methods A total of 154 implants from 86 patients were reviewed at 1.6-6.8 years after placement. Marginal bone levels (MBL) were assessed on intraoral radiographs at three time-points: immediately post-placement, time of loading, and least 1-year post-loading. RBLs (mm/year) were computed using these three time frames and corresponding MBL changes as: RBL placement-loading, RBL loading-review, RBL placement-review. Exploratory ordination of three RBLs, corresponding time durations, and 17 background factors were used for visualization. Hierarchical linear mixed-effects models (MEM) with predictor selection were applied to RBL outcomes. The correlation of actual MBL with MBLs predicted by RBL placement-loading and RBL loading-review was tested. Results Median RBL placement-loading was 0.9 mm/year (IQR = 2.02), loading-review was 0.06 mm/year (IQR = 0.16), and overall RBL placement-review was 0.21 mm/year (IQR = 0.33). Among-patient variance was highest for RBL placement-loading (SD = 0.66). Longer time predicted lower RBL in all time frames. Shorter time of loading significantly predicted lower RBL placement-review. Augmentation predicted lower RBL placement-loading, while anterior location and older age predicted lower RBLs placement-loading placement-review. Only MBL projected using RBL placement-loading significantly correlated with actual MBL. Conclusions Exploratory analysis indicated RBL varied with the time duration used for calculation in pre- and post-loading, and overall periods. In each period, RBL declined with increasing time. Earlier loading predicted lower overall RBL. Higher pre-loading RBL predicted worse actual bone level.