Document Classification

Section Type: CONCLUSIONS

Text: Conclusions of the study are as follows : 1) PTVs are influenced by bone quality and surface coating of the implant ; 2) the PTVs at the time of uncovering provide the best estimate of a clinically acceptable PTV for that bone-implant complex ; 3) while the PTVs for any bone-implant complex may fluctuate + / - 1. 0 around the uncovering PTV during routine healing and loading of the implant, a consistent shift toward a positive PTV that approaches '' 0 '' should be cause for concern that the bone-implant complex may be at risk of failure ; 4) HA-coated implants became slightly less stable (more positive PTVs) over time, while the non-coated implants became more stable (more negative PTVs) ; and 5) until a '' critical PTV '' can be accurately identified, it is suggested that a consistent shift in recorded PTVs that exceeds the +3. 0 value on the PTV scale should be viewed with concern for possible deterioration at the bone-implant complex.