Evaluation of the implant diameter on the initial-stability of narrow- and standard-diameter implants placed in simulated Type-I and Type-IV bone-blocks

Objective: A comparison of the initial stability of narrow- and standard-diameter implants (SDIs) placed in Type-I and Type-IV bone-blocks is not yet reported. The aim was to evaluate in-vitro the influence of implant diameter on the initial stability of narrow- and standard-diameter implants (SDIs) placed in simulated Type-I and Type-IV bone-blocks.

Methods: The present experimental in-vitro study was performed between July and September 2020 at the Specialist Dental Practice, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Narrow- and standard-diameter implants were placed 3-mm apart in simulated soft (Type-IV) and dense (Type-I) bone blocks by a trained and calibrated investigator. In groups A (Type-IV bone blocks) and B (Type-I bone blocks), implants were inserted using an insertion-torque and drilling-speed of 15-30 Ncm and 1000-1500 rpm, respectively with the implant collar at the crest of simulated bone blocks. In all samples, initial-stability was recorded using resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Sample-size estimation was done and group-comparisons were carried out. A P-value of 0.01 or less reflected statistical significance.

Results: In Groups-A and -B, 44 (22 NDIs and 22 SDIs) and 44 (22 NDIs and 22 SDIs) were placed. In group-A, the mean RFA values for NDIs and SDIs were 68.5 ± 3.5 and 69.1 ± 2.4, respectively. In Group-B, the mean RFA values for NDIs and SDIs were 78.06 ± 9.6 and 75.3 ± 5.2. RFA values among NDIs and SDIs in groups A and B were similar.

Conclusion: The NDIs and SDIs show comparable initial-stability when positioned in simulated Type-I and Type-IV bone blocks.