Redo of dental implants has a lesser survival rate compared with previous reports for implants in pristine sites. These results were not associated with most implant- and/or patient-related factors. Thus, a possible negative effect that is associated with the specific implant's site might account for this phenomenon.
Objective: To evaluate radiographic measurements for use as prognostic indicators for healing of class II furcation defects following regenerative therapy. Material and Methods: In 17 patients (eight females), 33 class II furcation defects (mandibular buccal (n 5 10) and lingual (n 5 12), and maxillary buccal (n 5 11)) were treated using the barrier membrane technique. Twenty-six furcations were treated using a bioabsorbable membrane, while a nonresorbable membrane was used to treat the remaining seven furcation defects. Clinical parameters and standardized radiographs were obtained before as well as 6 and 24 months after therapy. All radiographs were digitized and evaluated by an examiner blinded to the clinical data. The following distances were measured: cemento-enamel junction line (CEJ-line) to alveolar crest (AC) at the furcation site (AC-CEJ line), CEJ-line to the furcation fornix (Fx-CEJ line), width of the furcation at the level of the AC (FW) as well as the distance from Fx to a straight line between the AC mesial and distal of the tooth (Fx-AC line). Results: Statistically significant (po0.001) horizontal attachment gains could be observed 6 and 24 months after therapy (6 months: 1.49 AE 0.85 mm; 24 months: 1.14 AE 0.91 mm). However, a small but statistically significant (p 5 0.031) attachment loss of 0.35 mm was observed between the 6 and 24 months examination. Multilevel regression analyses identified baseline probing depth (p 5 0.0017) and 3 of the radiographic distances as prognostic factors: Fx-CEJ line (p 5 0.014), FW (p 5 0.0535), Fx-AC line (p 5 0.0827). Conclusion: The analysis of presurgical radiographs may yield information on the success of the regenerative therapy of buccal and lingual class II furcation defects. A long root trunk, a wide furcation entrance and an Fx coronal to the AC have negative influences on the success of therapy. Further, a deep probing depth at the furcation site at baseline increases the likelihood for more favourable horizontal attachment gain in furcations.
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