Relationships between endosseous implants and type 2 diabetes : a prospective study

Aim of the study

This 5-year multicentre prospective study aimed to determine the behaviour and outcome of implants placed in a population of type 2 diabetics.

Materials and methods

178 implants (2 stage) were placed in 89 male patients with a mean age of 63 years in 13 different centres. The patients were fully edentulous, all suffering from type 2 diabetes and the implants were all in the symphyseal region. Each team was composed of a surgeon, an endocrinologist and a prosthetist. A clinical and radiographic examination was undertaken at the time of placement of the prosthesis and 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, and 60 months later.

Results

The survival rate of the implants between construction of the prosthesis and the end of the study was 98 %, while the survival rate between the placement of the implants and the end of the study was 90 %. Indeed, 16 (9 %) implants were considered to have failed, 5 of which during stage 2, 7 between stage 2 and the fitting of the prosthesis and 4 after placement of the prosthesis. A regression analysis revealed that only the length of the implants and the duration of the diabetes could be considered risk factors for failure.

Conclusion

This study shows that the treatment of fully edentulous diabetic patients by the use of implants is a predictable procedure.

Commentaries

This study seems to contradict other studies (eg. Nevins) which indicated that diabetes is a significant risk factor in implantology. It seems that a consensus view is necessary.