Implant survival in periodontally compromised patients

Background: Relatively little is known on the long-term prognosis of implants inserted in partially edentulous, periodontally compromised patients. Methods: A total of 258 conventional implants, 57 two-stage and 201 one-stage implants, which were inserted in 32 and 108 patients, respectively, between June 1988 and June 2002 were followed with respect to their survival, as well as the periodontal parameters bone loss, probing depth, and bleeding on probing. All patients were periodontally compromised who had undergone periodontal surgery and were considered able to maintain a high standard of oral hygiene. Results: The 5-year survival rates were 97% and 94%, respectively, for the two- and the one-stage implants. The 10-year survival rate remained high at 97% for the two-stage implants, but had dropped to 78% for the one-stage implants, Smoking, short implant length, and insertion during the later period (1995-2002) were found to be associated with an increased failure rate. Conclusions: Implants placed in patients with a history of periodontitis have a 5-year survival similar to that observed for implants installed in non-diseased persons. Although the 10-year survival of the one-stage implants was somewhat lower than has been observed for non-diseased patients, implant placement remains a good treatment alternative also for periodontally compromised patients.