Evaluation of the early implant loss in Brazilian elderly patients – A retrospective study

Background

At present, it is possible to observe that the population of the elderly over 60 years is growing at an accelerated rate, when compared to any other age group. However, the exact influence of medications and systemic diseases on osseointegration of dental implants is still unclear in this population.

Aim/Hypothesis

The present study aimed to evaluate the treatment with osseointegrated implants in elderly patients. Our hypothesis is that, despite the local and systemic peculiarities that accompany the elderly patient, the success rate can be high, provided that specific care is considered.

Material and Methods

This is a retrospective, descriptive, longitudinal, observational, cross-sectional research in nature. We evaluated 173 patients` records of research participants who received late loading implants from January 2005 to December 2015. The specifications of the implants placed and the respective factors associated with success rates were described, including patients characteristics, the types of prostheses, the use of drugs and systemic diseases and region of implant placement.

Results

From a total of 1,000 patients` records analyzed, 173 research participants were included and evaluated in this study, being 104 (60%) women and 69 (40%) men, with a mean age of 63 ± 4.52 years. A total of 121 (70%) research participants had systemic disease and 106 (61.3%) used drugs. It was observed a greater tooth loss in the maxilla compared to the mandible (P < 0.001), as well as a higher number of partial dental absence in the mandible (P < 0.001). From the total of 805 implants placed, 33 (4%) implants were lost, with a higher incidence in the maxilla. The success implant rate was 96%.

Conclusion and Clinical Implications

It was concluded that the success rate after implant placement in elderly patients is high, even with medication use and systemic disease. Clinical Implications- provided they are controlled and under drug therapy, have predictability in dental implant rehabilitation, allowing oral function recovery, comfort and quality of life. Definitely, old age is not a contraindication for rehabilitation with osseointegrated implants.