Relationship between cortical bone thickness or computerized tomography‐derived bone density values and implant stability

Aims: To explore the relationship between primary implant stability and different parameters related to implant or bone properties. Materials and methods: Twenty‐four patients received a total of 136 Straumann SLActive implants. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed at implant placement, and RFA and Periotest (PTV) were scored at loading. Bone density [Hounsfield (HU) scores] and coronal cortical thickness at osteotomy sites were measured from pre‐operative computerized tomography scans. Results: Implant length, diameter or the presence of bony dehiscence did not have a significant effect on the mean RFA scores at implant insertion. Significant linear relations were found between RFA or PTV scores and HU values ( P <0.05), or cortical bone thickness ( P <0.05), both at insertion as well as at loading. Conclusion: RFA and PTV scores can be predicted based on implant and especially bone related factors. To cite this article: Merheb J, Van Assche N, Coucke W, Jacobs R, Naert I, Quirynen M. Relationship between cortical bone thickness or computerized tomography‐derived bone density values and implant stability. Clin. Oral Impl. Res . 21 , 2010; 612–617. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01880.x