Analysis of trends in the context of implant therapy in a university surgical specialty clinic: a 20-year retrospective study

Objectives: To analyze the trends in the context of implant therapy in a 3-year patient population and compare it with data obtained over the last 20 years.

Materials and methods: All adult subjects who received treatment in the context of implant therapy between 2020 and 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Data regarding patient demographics, indications and location of implant therapy, implant characteristics, surgical techniques, complications, and early implant failures were recorded and compared to data obtained in the years 2002-2004, 2008-2010, and 2014-2016.

Results: Between 2020 and 2022, n = 1555 implants were placed in n = 1021 patients. The mean age at implant placement was 59.9 + 15.1 years, demonstrating an increase over time in the age group 61-80 years of 23.1% and > 80 years of 3.2% (p < 0.0001). Single tooth gaps (48.9%) remained the main indication. The use of narrow diameters ≤ 3.5 mm increased (9.4% vs. 26.6%, p < 0.0001), while implant lengths > 10 mm decreased (45.7% vs. 23.5%, p < 0.0001). A reduction in more invasive techniques and an increase in computer-assisted implant surgeries (CAIS) of 19.5% was found.

Conclusions: The mean age of patients receiving dental implant therapy, with the use of narrow-diameter and shorter implants has progressively increased in the last 20 years. The observed trends suggest a transition from conventional to CAIS, accompanied by the introduction of minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Clinical relevance: The adoption of narrower and shorter implants, along with minimally invasive techniques and CAIS, enables clinicians to tailor treatment plans that accommodate the unique needs of aging patients and optimize clinical outcomes.