Abstract:
Introduction. Implant prosthesis rehabilitation may be affected by osteoporosis, which occurs
more frequently in women than in men in a 4:1 ratio. Early radiological changes of
osteopenia/osteoporosis determined on orthopantomography and CT-scans provides data that can
be taken into account when planning implant treatment.
Aim of the study. The aim is to determine the correlation of osteoporosis with peri- implant
bone resorption based on the data obtained by radiological examinations.
Materials and methods. In this study, we have included 158 female patients with mandibular
edentations, which underwent radiological examination (576 OPGs and 162 CTs). After
processing the information from OPG on the available equipment offered by the OPG digital
image processing software (Sidexis 4.0) using Klemetti's classification, in four age-based study
groups we have determined the presence of osteoporosis, its correlation with peri-implant bone
resorption during the surveillance period.
Results. The results obtained in the age-based groups allowed us obtaining data on the proposed
subject, highlighting the correlation between age – number of implants – osteoporosis –
resorption. The examination period was 3-72 months, a period sufficient to analyze and
determine peri-implant resorption occurring over time in patients form all study groups. The
number of implants in the general characteristic of the patients was equal to 655 implants divided
into 4 groups. A moderate direct statistical correlation was observed between the age and the
number of inserted implants (rxy=0.231, p <0.01). This phenomenon is also confirmed by a
strong direct correlation between the age and the degree of osteoporosis (rxy=0.676, p<0.001).
We have determined a dependence between the female patients’ age, the detection of periimplant
resorption in relation with the number of implants, their location, and functional
overload.
Conclusions. The examination using the OPG allows establishing an accurate, clear and correct
diagnosis, as well as choosing a safe treatment plan acceptable in each clinical case. In case of
edentation in female patients of an elderly age, prosthetic rehabilitation through dental implants
for its controlled functional load on the bone can be considered a pathogenetic treatment to
prevent regional atrophy and osteoporosis of the jaws.
