This study used resonance frequency (RF) analysis to assess miniscrew implant (MSI) stability during wound healing in a sample of 68 patients (41 women, 27 men; mean age, 27.7 years). The 104 MSIs included 66 placements in the buccal shelf (BS; 2.0 × 12 mm) and 38 placements in interradicular (IR; 1.5 × 8 mm) sites. Thirteen (12.5%) of the MSIs failed. A new RF detection device was used to measure RF at baseline (T0) and at 3 (T1), 6 (T2), 9 (T3), 12 (T4), and 15 (T5) weeks after placement. A linear mixed-effects model was fitted to change in RF values. As compared with the BS group, the IR group had significantly lower RF values on the right side from T0 through T4 and on the left side from T0 through T2. Insertion site and time of visit were significantly associated with RF value. The effects of time of visit significantly differed between the BS and IR sites. Starting from T0, the MSIs placed at both sites had significantly lower RF values at all intervals, except for T0-T1. Future studies should examine how the present clinical protocols can optimize timing of MSI loading to maximize the success rate.
Keywords: implant stability; mandible; miniscrew; resonance frequency analysis.