Long-term evaluation of submerged and nonsubmerged ITI solid-screw titanium implants: a 10-year life table analysis of 468 implants.

PURPOSE Submerged and nonsubmerged ITI solid-screw titanium implants were followed retrospectively from 1989 to 1993 and prospectively from 1994 on to analyze long-term prognosis in partially and fully edentulous patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 468 implants were consecutively inserted in 191 patients from 1989 to 1998. Two hundred twenty-eight successfully integrated fixed-restoration implants and 238 with removable restorations were restored following a healing period of 4 to 6 months (9 months in sinus floor elevation sites). From 1994 on all implants inserted were documented annually up to 9 years. During examination the clinical status of the implants was analyzed and evaluated according to predefined criteria of success and this allowed the calculation of 10-year cumulative survival and success rates for 468 implants. RESULTS Two implants (0.43%) did not successfully integrate during the healing period, and 8 implants (1.7%) were classified as failures during follow-up (1 late failure under load, 7 with a progressive bone loss from 1 to 3 threads). Including 68 implants in subjects who dropped out (with a dropout rate of 14.4%), the 10-year cumulative survival and success rates were 99.2% and 96.4%, respectively. DISCUSSION Over the course of this long-term study, osseointegrated implants, once used as a last possible solution, became nearly standard in cases of single-tooth implants because of the high rate of long-term success. Life table analysis not only determines whether an implant is functioning, it also makes a statement about its clinical status according to strict success criteria. CONCLUSION The study demonstrated that ITI solid-screw titanium implants achieved success rates above 95% in a clinical center for an observation period of up to 10 years.