Radiographic Evaluation of Bone-Level Implants with Wound Dehiscence between the First- and Second-Stage Surgeries

BACKGROUND: One of the most common complications of implant surgery is wound dehiscence followed by exposure of the implant to the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to radiographically analyze crestal bone loss around bone-level implants with wound dehiscence between the first- and second-stage surgeries. METHODS: The records of 136 implants inserted during 2013-2014 were evaluated. Patients with no history of systemic disease, drug addiction, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy were selected. Forty-eight implants had cover screws with complete or partial exposure to the oral cavity after the suture removal and before the second surgery. Digital or normal radiographs were taken after the first and during the second surgery and the distance between the implant shoulder and proximal bone crest was measured on the radiographs by 3 calibrated blinded examiners using a digital caliper. RESULTS: The mean amounts of bone loss around the exposed and nonexposed implants were 0.46 ± 0.55 and 0.32 ± 0.46 mm, respectively, with no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Wound dehiscence between the first- and second-stage surgeries may increase crestal bone loss in some cases but can be reduced by professional follow-ups and antibacterial treatments.