Prevalence of bone loss surrounding dental implants as detected in cone beam computed tomography: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of crestal, and apical bone loss (CBL & ABL) associated with dental implants in CBCT scans. The second objective was to assess the radiographic stage of implant disease and the visible predisposing factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CBCT scans that were taken from January 2015 to January 2022 in King Saud Medical City were screened to examine the marginal and periapical condition of dental implants. Information related to demographic variables, stage of bone loss, and radiographically evident predisposing factors were collected. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In total, 772 implant scans were analyzed. The prevalence of crestal bone loss and apical bone loss around the implants were 6.9% and 0.4% respectively. The amount of bone loss was moderate in 52.8% of cases of CBL and 100% mild in cases of ABL. The risk factors for CBL were patient age (p < 0.001), implant location (p < 0.001), bone loss in proximal teeth (p < 0.001), and adjacent edentulous sites (p < 0.001). The risk factors for ABL were adjacent periapical infection (p < 0.001) and endodontic therapy (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CBL and ABL was low. The CBCT can be used as a diagnostic tool for studying the prevalence of bone loss associated with peri-implant disease and relevant risk factors. The implantation of CBCT to evaluate the success and the prognosis of dental implants or the treatment of peri-implant diseases can be further considered in future research.