A comparison of implant stability quotients measured using magnetic resonance frequency analysis from two directions: a prospective clinical study during the initial healing period

Abstract

Objectives: Given that the orientation of the transducer (mesiodistal or buccolingual) affects the data obtained from a piezoelectric resonance frequency analysis (RFA), this study evaluated whether it is necessary to use measurements taken in two different directions (mesiodistal and buccolingual) when using magnetic RFA to assess changes in the stiffness of dental implants. Materials and methods: A prospective clinical trial was completed, in a total of 53 patients, on 71 non-submerged dental implants that were inserted to replace the unilateral loss of mandibular molars. All of the implants were of the same diameter (4.1 mm), length (10 mm), and collar height (2.8 mm). The implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured during the surgical procedure, and at 4 and 10 weeks after surgery. Measurements were taken twice in each direction: in the buccolingual direction from the buccal side and in the mesiodistal direction from the mesial side. The average of two measurements in each direction was regarded as the representative ISQ of that direction. The higher and lower values of the two ISQs (buccolingual and mesiodistal) were also classified separately. In addition, the variation in ISQ was quantified by subtracting the lower value from the higher value, and the implants were classified into two groups according to this variation: one with ISQ variation of 3 or more and the other with a variation of <3. Results: There were no differences between the two ISQs when measured from different directions, but there were significant differences between the higher and lower values of the ISQs at each measurement point. A significant difference was also observed between the two ISQ variation groups in the pattern of change of the lower value for the period from immediately after surgery to 10 weeks after surgery. Conclusion: Acquisition of two directional measurements and classification of the higher and lower values of the two directional ISQs may allow clinicians to detect patterns of change in ISQ that would not be identified if only one directional measurement were made.