**Abstract**

For over two decades the use of resonance frequency analysis or RFA has been used as a tool to determine the stiffness of implants in bone. Through the years the technology has become better, smaller and more accurate. Today, the use of RFA has been proven to be far superior to other clinical techniques to determine implant stability and is used not only to increase the level of success for implantologists around the world, but also to further the study of implant technology development.

**Keywords:** Implants, Stability, RFA, Treatment decisions

## **1. Introduction**

Over the last two and half decades, the use of RFA instrumentation has gone from being an experimental gadget to an everyday and necessary instrument in determining implant stability and the overall health of the peri-implant/implant interface. This chapter will delve into the technology and its use in the modern day practice as well as ongoing research.

Clinicians generally agree that it is important to verify the status of implant–bone interface before attachment of prosthetic abutment, after completion and insertion of the definitive prosthesis [1].

Modern implantology has progressed to a point where our treatments are predictable, our outcomes better and our healing times shorter. Much of this is a direct result of better micro and macro implant characteristics. The modern implant with its osteo-promotive surface, better thread geometry and internal prosthetic connection allows clinicians to treat patients that historically would have had a guarded-prognoses at best.

Resonance Frequency Analysis, other was known as RFA is a technology that has become the standard by which an implantologist can measure the degree of integration not only prior to restoring an implant, but it can also be used to determine the progression of integration during the healing phase.

Prior to the development of these instruments and use of RFA for the determination of implant stability, the measurement of implant stability was rudimentary at best. It relied on blunt tapping, reverse torque, Seating torque, a Periotest device or time. Each of these methods have their limitations and ultimately are not reliable predictors of implant stability.

Before we delve into the specifics or RFA, lets first look at the other methods of determining implant stability.
