Survival and Success Rates of External- and Internal- Connection Dental Implants Placed Within the United Kingdom Armed Forces.
This study is reviewing dental implants placed in members of the UK Armed Forces from 2014 to 2024. Researchers are looking back at patient records to see how long different types of dental implants last and how successful they are at keeping the bone around them healthy. They are comparing two main types of connections on the implants: external and internal. They also want to see if things like bone grafting or how soon an implant was placed after a tooth was removed make a difference. The goal is to learn more about which dental implant methods work best for long-term health and success.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you've lost a tooth and your dentist suggests a dental implant. This study is like taking a careful look back at thousands of these implants that were given to members of the UK Armed Forces over the last ten years. The main idea is to understand what makes some implants last longer and stay healthier than others.
Dental implants are like artificial tooth roots, usually made of titanium, that are placed into your jawbone. On top of this, a crown or bridge (a replacement tooth or teeth) is attached. This study focuses on two common ways the crown connects to the implant itself: an 'external connection' and an 'internal connection'. One of these, the 'internal connection', is thought to be better at protecting the bone around the implant. Your bone levels are really important for the long-term success of an implant, so keeping them healthy is key. Researchers are using x-rays to measure this.
The information gathered from this study will help dental professionals in the UK Armed Forces understand which types of dental implants and treatment approaches offer the best long-term results for their patients. It's all about making sure that when someone gets a dental implant, they are getting the treatment that is most likely to be successful and keep their mouth healthy for many years.
Key takeaways
- The study examines dental implants given to UK Armed Forces members.
- It aims to understand how long implants last and how well they maintain jawbone.
- Two main types of implant connections (external and internal) are being compared.
- Researchers are reviewing past patient records and x-rays.
- The goal is to improve future dental implant treatments for military personnel.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking at information from UK military patients who received dental implants through the Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC) Dental service between January 2017 and December 2023. To be included, patients must have been at least 18 (for females) or 19 (for males) when they had their implant placed.
The study includes a wide range of patients, including those with certain health conditions like diabetes, those who smoke, and those who have had gum disease in the past. It also covers different ways implants were placed, such as immediately after a tooth extraction or much later. As long as there were at least 12 months of follow-up x-rays available and the patient received specific types of Nobel Biocare implants, their records may be included.
However, if an implant was placed outside of the DPHC, or if the patient didn't have enough follow-up x-rays, or if the implant supported a removable denture, their records would not be part of this study. Also, if the patient passed away before their follow-up was complete, their data would be excluded.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Were you a UK military patient receiving a dental implant between January 2017 and December 2023?
- Were you at least 18 (female) or 19 (male) at the time of your implant placement?
- Did you have a Nobel Biocare implant like Parallel, Active, Branemark, or SpeedyGroovy?
- Did you have at least 12 months of follow-up x-rays available for your implant?
- Was your implant placed by Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC) Dental?
- Was your implant supporting a fixed crown or bridge, not a removable denture?
What does participation involve?
This is a 'retrospective cohort study', which means researchers are looking back at existing medical records and information that has already been collected as part of routine care. You wouldn't need to do anything extra or have any special appointments. If you are a military patient who had a dental implant placed between 2017 and 2023 at DPHC and meet the other criteria, your past care information might be included in this study, but you won't be actively participating in new tests or visits.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Defence Centre of Rehabiliative DentistryVerified postcodeAldershot, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is like an artificial tooth root, usually a small screw made of metal, that's placed into your jawbone to support a new tooth or bridge.
What does 'survival rate' mean for implants?
It means how long the dental implant stays in place and functions successfully without needing to be removed or replaced.
What is 'crestal bone level'?
This refers to the amount of bone at the very top of your jawbone, right around where the dental implant is placed. Healthy bone levels are important for the implant's long-term success.
Will my personal details be shared?
No, this type of study typically uses anonymous data, meaning your personal details are removed so no one can identify you. It's about seeing trends, not individual patients.
Who is funding this study?
This study is being carried out by dental researchers within the UK Armed Forces' own healthcare system to improve their services.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.