Demographic, clinical, and radiographic evaluation of patients with dental implants: A retrospective study with at least 7 years of follow-up

The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the associations between marginal bone loss (MBL), patient-centered quality of life, and various demographic, clinical, and radiological parameters in individuals with dental implants that have been in function for at least 7 years. Additionally, the study aimed to analyse implant success through a holistic approach, incorporating patients' perceptions of oral and general health. This study was conducted using data from 89 dental implants placed in 24 patients who underwent implant surgery at the Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Karadeniz Technical University, in 2017 or earlier. Age, gender, smoking status, and the presence of systemic diseases, clinical and radiological parameters were recorded. Patient-centered quality of life was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) for oral health-related quality of life, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) for general health-related quality of life. No statistically significant differences were found between MBL and gender, age, or implant localization. Smokers had significantly higher total OHIP-14 scores. Statistically significant positive correlations were observed between mPI and mGI; mSBI and mGI, PPD, and distal MBL; PPD and mGI and mSBI; and distal MBL and mGI, mSBI, and mesial MBL. Significant associations were also found between total OHIP-14 scores and mPI and mGI, and between SF-36 scores and mGI and mSBI. In conclusion, it is recommended that the long-term success of dental implant therapy be evaluated not only through clinical and radiographic parameters but also by incorporating patient-centered quality of life measures.