The Dental Implant Restoration Registry Study

• Studies

INTRODUCTION

The Dental Implant Restoration Registry (DIRR) was a nationwide, NIDCR‑funded, practice‑based study designed to better understand real‑world outcomes of implant therapy. The study followed restored implants for three years beginning at prosthesis placement, capturing clinical, radiographic, and patient‑reported data from practices across the country. More than 2,000 restored implants were enrolled, making DIRR the first national registry of its kind within the National Dental PBRN.

WHAT THE STUDY ASKED OF PARTICIPATING DENTISTS

• Enroll patients receiving a prosthesis over an implant, with the option to include up to 50 restored implants
• Obtain informed consent and assist patients with a brief web‑based survey
• Complete a clinical exam at baseline and at years 1, 2, and 3
• Upload radiographs at baseline and each follow‑up interval

WHO PARTICIPATED

Patients aged 19 or older who were in the prosthetic phase of implant therapy and about to receive their prosthesis were eligible to participate.

WHAT WAS EXPECTED OF PATIENTS

Participants completed a short web‑based survey in the dental office, providing information on health history, oral health, and quality of life.

WHY THE STUDY MATTERS

DIRR provides one of the most comprehensive real‑world datasets on implant restoration outcomes in U.S. dental practice. Its findings will help:

• Identify clinical and patient‑level factors associated with successful implant therapy
• Describe the frequency and nature of prosthetic and biologic complications
• Inform evidence‑based decision‑making for practitioners and patients
• Strengthen the scientific foundation for implant therapy delivered in everyday practice