BACKGROUND: The methods for evaluating dental implant osseointegration can be limited in their effectiveness. The authors developed a new noninvasive electronic instrument to test implant stability and improve the assessment process. METHODS: Using the new instrument, which was based on impulse testing and fast Fourier transform, or FFT, technology, the authors tested implant stability under real-time clinical conditions. The clinical procedure involved a weekly test of two placed implants, from the first-stage insertion point to the completion of the integration. This longitudinal monitoring spanned eight months. RESULTS: The authors verified clinical implant integration electronically and that it closely matched mathematical predictions. They also observed changes in implant stability during the integration process. CONCLUSIONS: Implant stability can be monitored electronically using FFT testing. A theoretical integration prediction also can be formulated. Like a "dental electrocardiogram," integration is assessed by waveform shape analysis. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Electronic measurement of implant stability may help clinicians noninvasively diagnose the suitability of implants for restoration and aid in postrestorative monitoring.
BACKGROUND: The methods for evaluating dental implant osseointegration can be limited in their effectiveness. The authors developed a new noninvasive electronic instrument to test implant stability and improve the assessment process. METHODS: Using the new instrument, which was based on impulse testing and fast Fourier transform, or FFT, technology, the authors tested implant stability under real-time clinical conditions. The clinical procedure involved a weekly test of two placed implants, from the first-stage insertion point to the completion of the integration. This longitudinal monitoring spanned eight months. RESULTS: The authors verified clinical implant integration electronically and that it closely matched mathematical predictions. They also observed changes in implant stability during the integration process. CONCLUSIONS: Implant stability can be monitored electronically using FFT testing. A theoretical integration prediction also can be formulated. Like a "dental electrocardiogram," integration is assessed by waveform shape analysis. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Electronic measurement of implant stability may help clinicians noninvasively diagnose the suitability of implants for restoration and aid in postrestorative monitoring.