BACKGROUND

A gradual progression from a two-stage surgical technique to a one-stage and even immediate surgical protocol has occurred during the last decade with most oral implant systems. However, every new approach must obviously be reported individually, with long-term results, in order to assess whether the changes have any real patient value.

PURPOSE

The aim of the present report was to retrospectively review the 5-year outcome of patients treated with the Brånemark Novum (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) protocol.

METHODS

The first 15 patients treated according to the Novum procedure in a private specialist clinic in Lovere, Italy, were followed-up with clinical, radiographic, and resonance frequency analyses. All the patients' fixed constructions had been in function for an average of 5 years. Parameters recorded were implant survival, prosthesis success, oral hygiene and mucosal health, marginal bone remodeling, type and frequency of complications, and patient's opinion of the treatment outcome.

RESULTS

After 5 years, the cumulative survival rate for implants was 91%, and for inserted bridge constructions it was 87%. Very small changes in implant stability occurred during implant loading from 1 to 5 years. Oral health conditions were good; 87% of mucosal quadrants around the implants were free from signs of inflammation. Very small marginal bone height changes were observed at the implants during the examination period, and except for four implant losses reported, severe complications were few. All patients were satisfied with the functional outcome of their constructions, but two patients were not completely happy with the aesthetics of their bridgework as supplied.

CONCLUSION

This report shows 5-year evidence of acceptably good results with the Brånemark Novum implant technique in edentulous mandibles, when using only three implants to support the fixed bridge construction, and as long as inserted implants become and remain osseointegrated.