Immediate loading of implants:A multicenter, prospective study

Immediate loading of implants:A multicenter, prospective study
S.G. KANCYPER1, J. CLOSAS2, J. BAFFA2, G. CAGNONE2, A. RODRIGUEZ2, and M. TROIANO2, 1 Universidad Nacional de Tucuman, S. M. de Tucuman, Argentina, 2 Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
March 2004
Clinical Implant Studies
Various studies have demonstrated the feasibility and predictability of the Immediate loading technique. However, most of the publications are based on retrospective or uncontrolled cases. Objectives: Determine level of bone loss on the Mesial and Distal aspects of Immediately loaded implants replacing single teeth in the anterior maxilla. Methods: Fourteen implants were placed in the anterior maxilla and immediately restored with Titanium abutments and provisional crowns. Care was taken to ensure no contact existed in centric occlusion or in excursive movements. Results: All the restorations and implants remained stable after 9 months follow-up. The bone loss on the mesial and distal aspect of the implants was assessed using radiographs. The mean bone loss was 0.93mm on the mesial aspect (S.D= +/- 0.09) and 0.94mm on the distal aspect (S.D= +/- 0.08) after 9 months. The projected loss of bone seems to be insignificant after stabilization at 6 weeks (p>0.05). Conclusions: The level of predictability and high success of current implant therapy has provided reasons for reassessing long adopted surgical and prosthetic guidelines. With the trend of shortening treatment time and reducing patient discomfort and inconvenience, immediate loading of implants has emerged as an alternate approach. However, it is important to note that meticulous case selection is required to integrate this treatment into daily practice.