The relationship between the interleukin-1 periodontal genotype and implant loss. Initial data

Background: This study investigated the relationship of the interleukin-l ( IL-I) genotype, smoking status, and the patient's age to the survival of os seointegrated dental implants. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with 33 implants that had been lost or who h ad at least 50% bone loss on radiographs were compared to a group of 38 pat ients who had experienced no bone or implant loss. All lost implants in a p rivate practice were included in the data, except those that had fractured with no previous bone loss. Results: Smoking was demonstrated to increase the risk of implant failure b y a factor of almost 2.5, Conclusions: Statistical testing failed to provide evidence of an increased risk for implant failure for patients who are positive for the IL-I genoty pe. There was no apparent relationship between the patient's age at the tim e of placement and implant loss. This study raises several questions concer ning the etiology of implant loss and the comparative biology of tissues su rrounding implants when compared to those surrounding natural teeth.