Success Criteria

Osseointegration was the hallmark of success in implant dentistry in the 1980s. It was believed that an implant was successfully integrated when there was direct contact between bone and the titanium implant (at the light microscopic level) with no fibrous connective tissue interface. However, the criteria for success have evolved beyond the initial goal of osseointegration. Implant success in the 21st century involves other factors including: stability of the implant; adequate radiographic bone levels; lack of symptoms or evidence of infection; minimal probing depths around the implant, and the ability of the patient to keep the area clean. The implant is designed and placed to support a prostheses. The success of implant therapy is a measure of success of the prosthesis and the implant supporting the prosthesis.

Now, let us discuss the criteria for implant success. These were suggested by Albrektsson, Zarb and Worthington. These are as follows:

1) An individual, unattached implant is immobile when tested clinically.

2) A radiograph that does not demonstrate any evidence of perimplant radiolucency.

3) Vertical bone loss is less than 0.2mm annually following the first year of service of the implant.

4) Individual implant performance is characterized by an absence of persistent or irreversible signs and symptoms such as pain, infection, neuropathies, paresthesia,or violation of the mandibular canal.

5) In the context of foregoing, a success rate of 85 per cent at the end of a 5- year observation period and 80 per cent at the end of a 10 year period are minimum criteria for success.