Resonance frequency analysis-reliability in third generation instruments: Osstell mentor®

UNLABELLED Few studies assess repeatability and reproducibility in registers of resonance frequency analysis (a value of dental implant stability). OBJECTIVE Few studies assess repeatability and reproducibility in resonance frequency analyses (implant stability evaluation). This study is aimed at assessing reliability (repeatabilty and reproducibility) in the Osstell Mentor® system using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) as the statistical method. STUDY DESIGN ISQ measurements of RFA were carried out by means of the Osstell Mentor® instrument in 58 implants in 19 patients. Six measurements were performed on each implant by means of two different Smart-Pegs (I and II). Three consecutive measurements were registered with each transducer. RESULTS Average ISQ varied from 72.43 to 72.60 and 73.26 in the first, second and third measurements, respectively with the SamrtPeg I and from 72.98 to 73.26 and 73.74 in the first, second and third measurements, respectively with the SamrtPeg II . Exactly equal values were observed in 10.43 and 12.1% of the cases with Smart-Pegs I and II, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.96 and 0.96 for Smart Pegs I and II, respectively. Repeatability and reproducibility was 0.97 for both Smart-Pegs I and II. CONCLUSIONS The RFA system contributed by Osstell Mentor® renders almost perfect reproducibility and repeatability, as proven by statistical analysis carried out by means of ICC with 95% confidence level. This instrument contributes highly reliable RFA measurements in dental implants.