The Successful Use of Osseointegrated Implants for the Treatment of the Recalcitrant Periodontal Patient

This study reports the successful use of osseointegrated implants to replace teeth in patients whose periodontal disease has been categorized as recalcitrant. It includes partially and totally endentulous jaws. A total of 309 implants placed by two periodontists practicing in traditional office settings were included in the survey. Of the 132 mandibular implants, 4 failed, for a success rate of 97%; and 3 of the 177 maxillary implants failed, for a success rate of 98%. There were 21 implants placed in 1985; 38 in 1986 and 1987; 185 from 1988 to 1990; 42 in 1991; and 23 in 1992. The report includes 42 mandibular and 50 maxillary prostheses, none of which has failed. One female mandibular case was converted from 2 posterior free-standing to a full arch prosthesis when the anterior teeth failed periodontally. These results demonstrate that individuals with a strong susceptibility to periodontal disease can be treated successfully with osseointegrated implants.