Single unit implant placement and restoration outcomes: PEARL interim findings

Objective: This interim report is from an ongoing retrospective study being conducted in the PEARL Network and designed to examine 3-5 year outcomes of single unit implant placement. The study parallels a previous PEARL study of 3-5 year endodontic outcomes and the two studies are compared.

Method: Adult patients with single unit implant placement and restoration 3-5 years prior to the study period were recruited. Data collected: (1) current status of the implant; (2) patient demographics; (3) status of implant site at placement; (4) characteristics of implant; and (5) subjective assessment of the implant.

Result: Selected findings for 64 sites and 1323 subjects enrolled on endodontic outcomes study:

Site/Dentist characteristics: 63% male; 83% White; mean of 20 years in practice; 39% had >2000 active patient charts; 66% from a suburban location.

Participant characteristics: 58% female; 87% White; mean age 50 years.

Tooth type: 85% molar/premolar.

Selected findings for 39 sites and 196 subjects enrolled on implant outcomes study:

Site/Dentist characteristics: 64% male; 92% White; mean of 22 years in practice; 40% had >2000 active patient charts; 68% from a suburban location.

Participant characteristics: 59% female; 84% White; mean age 61 years.

Mean time since implant: 4 years.

Reason for implant placement: fractured tooth (35%); endodontic failure (28%); decay/caries (11%); advanced periodontitis (9%); other (17%).

Tooth type: 87% molar/premolar.

Placed by: site practitioner-investigator (33%); periodontist (33%); oral surgeon (32%); other (3%).

Implant design: root form (64%); cylinder (36%).

Conclusion: Site/dentist and participant characteristics are similar between the endodontic treatment outcomes and implant outcomes studies Predominate reason for implant replacement was a fractured tooth. Supported by NIDCR U01-DE016755.