The objective of this study was to compare initial implant stability measured by RFA between different implant systems during the initial healing period.

Fifty-four patients (36 males/18 females) who had been treated at the Department of Periodontology, Chonbuk National University Dental Hospital during the period between January and November in 2007 were included in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 49 years old (18 to 77). A total of 104 implants (Type A: 3i Osseotite®, Type B: Replace® select, Type C: ITI implant) were placed following the manufacturer's standard surgical protocols. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) readings were obtained for each implant at the time of surgery, 2-, and 4-month postoperatively.

No implant was failed during the observation period. At the baseline, the difference between mean ISQ values of 3 implant systems was statistically significant (p<0.05). However, at 2-, and 4-month following implant surgery, no significant difference was observed between ISQ values of the implant systems. In the same implant, the ISQ values of Type B and C implants increased (p<0.05), but those of Type A implants decreased during the 2-month healing period. The mean ISQ values of Type B and C implants showed a increasing tendency, while those of Type A implants were stable for the 4-month follow-up period.

Within limits of this study, it can be concluded that implant design and surface topography of implant might influence the ISQ value and changing pattern during the initial healing period.