Evaluation of Alveolar Crestal Bone Loss around Cantilever-Based Implants and Comparison with Single-Tooth Implants

Introduction: Dental implants are one of the most interesting therapeutic approaches that have been brought about a great revolution in dental procedures. The cantilever-based implant is also an appreciable treatment method. Previous researches point to increased pressure on bone in this prosthesis, while some other studies emphasize on its clinical success. The present study aimed to evaluate the bone loss around cantilever-based implants and compare it with single-tooth implants. Materials and Methods: In this study, 26 sampleswith the cantilever-based implant and 26 sampleswith single-tooth implant treatment plans were examined in this historical cohort study. Patients recovering less than 6 months following the treatment were excluded. Alveolar crestal bone loss around both implant techniques was evaluated by a periodontist on radiographic images. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov's normality assessment test, as well as the non-parametric tests, including the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test, Kaplan-Meier estimator, and Kruskal-Wallis test. The significance level was considered 0.05. Results: No significant relationship was observed between the presence or absence of cantilever, gender, age, type of bone, and implant length with bone loss. The rate of bone resorption was related to the time factor, and it increased over time. In addition, the rate of bone loss in implant systems of NeoBiotech and Ritter was proven significantly higher than other systems. Conclusion: If the technical principles in surgery and prosthesis implantation are applied, the use of cantilever-based implant can be considered as a valid method of treatment. However, further research is required in this field of study.