Nonsubmerged implants in the treatment of the edentulous upper jaw: a prospective clinical and radiographic study of ITI implants--results after 1 year.

BACKGROUND

A new generation of ITI implants, including a hollow cylinder, a hollow screw, and a solid screw, was described in 1988. Currently, the solid screw is the main alternative.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to gain further clinical documentation of ITI solid-screw implants used in the edentulous upper jaw. This is a report 1 year after loading.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight patients with edentulous upper jaws (mean age, 57 yr) were supplied with four to eight ITI solid-screw implants in the upper jaw. In total, 167 implants (3.3 and 4.1 mm in diameter) were inserted. The implants were loaded about 7 months postoperatively. All patients were supplied with fixed screw-retained bridges.

RESULTS

Twelve implants failed: 10 prior to loading and 2 after. Overall implant survival rate was 92.8%. Three of the five patients with implant loss were smokers. Signs of peri-implantitis were found in seven patients, affecting 12 implants. Mean marginal bone level at the loading of the implants (7 months after insertion) was situated 4.7 mm from the reference point of the implant. There was no significant change between loading and the 1-year examination. However, at several implants, the bone level at baseline was situated far apical of the reference point, indicating a bone loss before loading.

CONCLUSIONS

The ITI screw implants, used in the edentulous upper jaw, had a survival rate of 92.8%. Mean bone loss between loading and the 1-year examination was 0.1 mm. Some implants had a bone level indicating a significant bone loss before loading. Peri-implantitis was found at about 7.2% of the implants inserted and at 25% of the failing implants.