Supraeruption as a consideration for implant restoration

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence, amount, and rate of supraeruption of the maxillary second molar according to sex, age, and history of periodontitis. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from the charts and panoramic radiographs of 65 patients who were scheduled to undergo implant placement at the site of the mandibular second molar. The amount of supraeruption of the maxillary second molar and the alveolar bone level of the neighboring teeth were measured on digital panoramic radiographs. The prevalence was evaluated in each group, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors influencing the prevalence of supraeruption. The amount and the rate of supraeruption were compared between pairs of groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. For all tests, P values <0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Supraeruption occurred in 78% of the patients. The prevalence of supraeruption was affected by sex, age, and history of periodontitis. The mean amount of supraeruption was 0.91 mm and the mean rate of supraeruption was 0.14 mm/month. The amount and the rate of supraeruption showed no significant differences according to sex, age, or the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar bone crest (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the amount of supraeruption on the maxillary second molar was similar to the thickness of the enamel on the occlusal surface. When a single implant is scheduled to be placed on the mandibular second molar, supraeruption of the antagonist should be considered.