History and Development of Resonance Frequency Analysis
- Resonance frequency analysis first suggested as an alternative method in 1996 by Meredith N et al.
- Osstell AB formed in 1999 to commercialize the technique.
- New technique involved connecting a small transducer to implants.
- Radiographs are valuable but standardized technique needed for repeatability.
Scientific Foundations of Resonance Frequency Analysis
- RFA devices based on principles of percussion or tapping.
- Percussion sound indicates level of implant stability.
- Low-pitched, dull sound indicates loose bond with bone.
- High-pitched, crystalline sound indicates tight connection.
- RFA uses vibrations on a micro scale to determine stability.
Measurement and Assessment with Resonance Frequency Analysis
- Frequency readings translated to Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ).
- ISQ values used for assessment and ongoing monitoring.
- Reading of 55 or below indicates excessive lateral movement.
- Increasing resonance frequency indicates osseointegration.
- Measurements over time indicate rate of osseointegration.
References and Studies on Resonance Frequency Analysis
- Bilbao A et al. (2009) assessed dental implant stability using RFA.
- Veltri M et al. (2009) investigated soft bone primary stability.
- Valderrama Pilar (2007) evaluated two different RFA devices.
- Meredith N. et al. (1996) quantitatively determined implant stability.
- Konstantinovic Vitomir (2015) assessed implant stability using RFA.
Utilization and Benefits of Resonance Frequency Analysis
- RFA has scientific interest due to increasing demand for dental implants.
- RFA is non-invasive and objective for evaluating implant viability.
- ISQ values inform treatment plans based on clinical studies.
- RFA can assess secondary stability before attaching prosthesis.
- Rate of osseointegration guides treatment planning.
Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) is a method used to determine stability (the level of osseointegration) in dental implants. The stability is presented as an implant stability quotient (ISQ) value. The higher the ISQ value the higher the stability.
Utilizing RFA involves sending magnetic pulses to a small metal rod temporarily attached to the implant. As the rod vibrates, the probe reads its resonance frequency and translates it into an ISQ value.
RFA measurements are used to assess the stability of the implant immediately after placement, as well as to measure the stability during the healing time. This helps the dentist determine if further healing time (osseointegration) is needed before the prosthetic tooth is attached, as well as to identify at-risk patients with compromised bone tissue, or other risk factors.
