Restoration of partially edentulous patients using dental implants with a microtextured surface: a prospective comparison of delayed and immediate full occlusal loading.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical effectiveness of placing dental implants with microtextured surfaces into full occlusal loading at the time of placement in partially edentulous patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two demographically similar groups of 14 patients each were treated with a total of 92 Spline Twist Implants (Centerpulse Dental, Carlsbad, CA). Test implants were placed into immediate full occlusal loading, and control implants were restored using a conventional delayed loading procedure. Otherwise, both groups of patients received similar therapy from the same treatment team. Radiographs, periodontal indices, and Periotest values were recorded every 6 months during routine clinical follow-up appointments. The mean loading time for all prostheses was 24 months at the time of this report.

RESULTS

No implants failed in the test group, and 1 implant failed before loading in the control group. Cumulative implant success was 98.9% for all implants placed (test group = 100%; control group = 92.9%). Periodontal measurements indicated no significant clinical differences between implants placed into immediate full occlusal loading and those loaded via a conventional delayed protocol.

DISCUSSION

Immediate full occlusal loading of partial prostheses supported by microtextured implants in partially edentulous patients demonstrated excellent clinical results, with no adverse periodontal effects after 24 months of function. Additional follow-up will provide invaluable information on the long-term effects of this technique.

CONCLUSION

Immediate full occlusal loading of partial prostheses supported by microtextured implants can be successfully achieved for 24 months in highly motivated patients with excellent oral hygiene.