| dc.description.abstract | Background: The success of dental implants is closely linked to the quality and structural complexity of the surrounding trabecular bone, which can be quantitatively assessed using fractal analysis (FA). This study aimed to evaluate FA values of trabecular bone in the mesial, distal, and apical regions before, during, and three months after implant placement, while also examining the influence of demographic factors such as age and gender on bone quality and implant outcomes.
Materials and Methods: FA was calculated from orthopantomograms (OPG) for three regions of interest (ROIs) adjacent to the implant, named mesial, distal, and apical, before implant placement and three months post-implantation. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests and effect size calculations (Cohen’s d), were performed to compare FA values across time points and demographic groups (age: 18–45 years vs. 45–65 years; gender: male vs. female).
Results: A total of 150 patients that received dental implants in premolar/molar areas of mandible were included in this study. Significant gender-based differences were observed, with men consistently exhibiting higher FA values across all regions and time points (P<0.001, Cohen’s d=0.91–2.28). Younger individuals (18–45 years) demonstrated significantly higher FA values compared to middle-aged individuals (45–65 years), particularly in the apical region (P<0.001, d=2.57). Temporal analysis revealed stable FA values in the mesial and distal regions, with a slight but significant reduction in the total FA post-implantation (P=0.031, d=0.178).
Conclusion:
This study highlights the significant influence of age and gender on trabecular bone quality, as reflected by FA values. While FA analysis provides valuable insights into peri-implant bone remodeling, it may not be sufficient alone to determine initial implant stability. The findings suggest that FA analysis, when combined with other diagnostic tools, can enhance the assessment of bone quality and contribute to personalized implant treatment strategies. Further research with larger sample sizes and standardized protocols is recommended to validate these findings and improve clinical applications. | en_US |
