Efficacy of threaded hydroxyapatite-coated implants placed in the anterior mandible.

A data subset from an ongoing prospective multicenter clinical study of threaded hydroxyapatite-coated implants was evaluated to assess safety and efficacy of the implants in anterior maxillary regions when used to support fixed prostheses. Observations were recorded before surgery, at first-stage surgery, at second-stage surgery, at loading, and at quarterly post-restoration prophylactic exams and annual comprehensive patient visits. Of 2,062 implants restored in 720 patients in the parent study, a total of 95 implants in 54 patients met the criteria for inclusion into this portion. Implant failure criteria included mobility, radiographic evidence of bone loss greater than one-third the length of the implant or peri-implant radiolucency, fracture, exfoliation, removal for any reason, and patient reported pain upon palpation. Soft tissue indices were monitored as part of the study. Post-restoration implant performance was analyzed using life-table methodology. No failures were observed before prosthodontic rehabilitation. Three implants failed during an observation period of up to 5 years after completion of prosthodontic treatment. The Cutler-Ederer life table success rate after 5 years was 93.4 percent. Results of this investigation suggest that threaded hydroxyapatite-coated implants are safe and effective when placed in anterior maxillary regions to support fixed prostheses.