Impact of HbA1c levels on the clinical outcomes of ultrahydrophilic, smooth collar implants in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Statement of problem

The relationship between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and the clinical outcomes of ultrahydrophilic, smooth collar implants in the maxillary molar region remains underexplored.

Purpose

The purpose of this clinical study was to investigate the relationship between the HbA1c levels and clinical outcomes of ultrahydrophilic, smooth collar implants in the maxillary molar region of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Material and methods

In total, 35 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had received dental implants in the maxillary molar region between January 2016 and June 2020 were enrolled. Marginal bone levels (MBLs) were assessed from radiographs immediately and 1 to 2 years after restoration. Peri-implant tissue health was evaluated clinically and radiographically, and patient satisfaction was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 scale. The data were organized using a spreadsheet and statistically analyzed with a statistical software package. A t test was used to determine significant differences between groups, specifically comparing patients with HbA1c levels <7% and ≥7% in terms of MBLs, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and patient satisfaction (OHIP-14 scores) (α=.05). Furthermore, a linear correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between HbA1c levels and PD, as well as HbA1c levels and OHIP-14 scores.

Results

Of the 35 participants, 27 were successfully followed up, and 27 ultrahydrophilic, smooth collar implants with a mean ±standard deviation length of 9.30 ±1.16 mm were placed. All implants were considered clinically successful 1 to 2 years after restoration. Those with HbA1c levels <7% exhibited no mesial or distal bone loss, while those with HbA1c levels ≥7% experienced a mean ±standard deviation distal marginal bone loss of 0.25 ±0.30 mm and a mean ±standard deviation mesial marginal bone loss of 0.14 ±0.16 mm. The overall satisfaction and total Oral Health Impact Profile-14 scores in patients with HbA1c levels ≥7.5% significantly differed from those with HbA1c levels <7.5% (P<.05).

Conclusions

Ultrahydrophilic, smooth collar implants demonstrated favorable clinical and patient satisfaction outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with HbA1c levels serving as strong indicators of peri-implant health.