Long-Term Efficacy of Variable-Thread Tapered Implants—A Retrospective, Clinical and Radiological Evaluation

Background and Objective: There is multifaceted evidence that variable-thread tapered implants (VTTIs) offer high primary stability but few regarding the long-term success. This retrospective clinical and radiological cohort study assessed the long-term outcome of VTTIs. Material and Methods: All patients treated in an OMFS practice with NobelActive Internal(®) VTTI between October 2007 and September 2011 were invited for clinical examination. The outcome variables were (i) survival rate, (ii) implant success according to the “Health Scale for Dental Implants” and (iii) prevalence of peri-implantitis. Furthermore, the effect of local and systemic risk factors was investigated. Results: In 81 subjects (46 females and 35 males, mean age 65.6 years) 270 implants (157 VTTIs and 113 others as a control group) were analyzed. In 7 out of 81 patients (8.6%), 8 out of 157 VTTIs (5.1%) and 5 out of 113 other implants (4.4%) were lost. Peri-implantitis, defined as (i) presence of bleeding on gentle probing (0.25 N) or exudation and (ii) radiographic bone loss exceeding 0.5 mm since implant insertion to last follow-up, was the most common reason for implant loss (11 out of 13, 84.6%). Sixty-six out of 87 VTTIs (75.9%) were successful. Seventeen out of 42 patients (40.5%) developed peri-implantitis on 29 out of 79 VTTI sites (36.7%). Plaque and missing keratinized peri-implant mucosa were identified as potential risk factors for the development of peri-implantitis. Conclusion: Variable-thread tapered implants showed good long-term results, even in low bone quality. Peri-implantitis was the most common reason for implant failure and may be connected to certain risk factors.