Early loading of splinted implants in posterior mandible: Three-year results of a prospective multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of an early loading protocol of splinted implants with a fluoride-modified nanostructure surface and a tapered apex design for the therapy of posterior partial edentulism of mandible.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and seven implants were placed in the mandible of 45 subjects at three centres in China. A minimum of two and a maximum of three implants were placed in an edentulous region using a one-stage protocol. Each subject received a screw-retained, splinted and fixed permanent prosthesis 6-8 weeks after surgery. Marginal bone level (MBL) change, implant survival and soft tissue health were assessed at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after loading. A total of 92 implants from 40 subjects were recalled and investigated in this clinical trial.

RESULTS

After three-year loading, the survival rate of implant was 100%. On a subject level, there was a mean (±SD) marginal bone gain of 0.23 ± 0.48 mm at 36-month recall and the change in MBL was statistically significant (p = .00061) compared with time of loading. On an implant level, the change in MBL was statistically significant (p = .03914, p = .01494, p = .00000) at 12, 24 and 36 months of loading compared with time of loading.

CONCLUSION

Three-year data indicate that early loading protocol of splinted implants with a fluoride-modified nanostructure surface and a tapered apex design is feasible and safe for the therapy of partial edentulism in posterior mandible, which may contribute to bone gain when the suitable occlusal load and oral hygiene maintenance are kept.