COMPARISON OF MARGINAL BONE LOSS IN CONICAL, CYLINDRICAL, AND PASSIVELY INSERTED PRESS-FIT DENTAL IMPLANTS DURING THE FIRST 3 MONTHS OF OSSEOINTEGRATION

Background and Aim: This study investigated the effects of implant macrodesign on early marginal bone loss (MBL), a key predictor of implant longevity. Materials and Methods: The MBL values of Bego Semandos® (Group I: conical), Straumann BL® – SLA modified surface (Group II: cylindrical), and I-System (Group III: press-fit) implants were measured on postoperative 3 months cone beam computed tomographic images at 6 points of each implant. The “total MBL” for each implant was calculated by averaging MBL at 6 points. The buccal and lingual MBL values were determined by averaging the measurements at 3 points on each side. Results: A total of 57 implants were analyzed. No significant differences were observed in the average total MBL values between groups (p>0.05). The cylindrical implants showed significantly higher buccal MBL (0.30 ± 0.22 mm) than lingual MBL (0.17 ± 0.37 mm) (p=0.048). The conical and cylindrical implants exhibited insignificantly higher total MBL in the maxilla and mandible, respectively (p>0.05). Conical implants had an insignificantly higher total MBL in the anterior region than that in the posterior region (p>0.05). Conclusions: Cylindrical implants may be avoided in alveolar crests with higher buccal resorption, to prevent early buccal MBL. Cylindrical and conical implant placements should be preferred in the maxilla and mandible, respectively, with proper countersinking. Cylindrical implants may minimize the early MBL in the anterior region. Although implant macrodesigns do not significantly differ in average total MBL levels, passive pressfit implants may ensure more homogeneous early MBL across both jaws and regions.