Immediate loading of implants in the edentulous maxilla: use of an interim fixed prosthesis followed by a permanent fixed prosthesis: a 32-month prospective radiological and clinical study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the survival rate of splinted and immediately loaded Straumann sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched, solid-screw dental implants in the edentulous maxilla after 32 months of loading.


METHODS
Twenty-eight patients (mean age 63 years) with edentulous maxillae received 168 implants (six each) and an implant-supported fixed interim prosthesis within 24 hours after surgery. After a mean healing time of 15 weeks, the patients received permanent screw-retained prostheses. Clinical and radiological examinations were made at implant placement and after 8, 20, and 32 months of loading. All permanent prostheses were removed at the 32-month follow-up; implant stability was checked with a torque device, and the implant stability quotient was determined with resonance frequency analysis.


RESULTS
Mean marginal bone loss from baseline to 8 months after loading was 1.6 mm (SD 1.16; p = .094), from 8 to 20 months 0.41 mm (SD 0.63; p = .094), and from 20 to 32 months 0.08 mm (SD 0.49; p = .039). The 32-month cumulative survival rate was 98.2%.


CONCLUSIONS
The 32-month survival of solid-screw implants - immediately loaded within 24 hours after placement - was similar to survival rates reported for solid-screw implants with conventional loading. Immediate loading and splinting of implants in the edentulous maxilla is a viable treatment alternative.
Bergkvist
Göran
G
Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden. goran.bergkvist@ptj.se
Nilner
Krister
K
Sahlholm
Sten
S
Karlsson
Ulf
U
Lindh
Christina
C
D000134:Acid Etching, Dental; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology; D000044:Dental Abutments; D015921:Dental Implants; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003779:Denture Design; D003781:Denture Retention; D003825:Denture, Complete, Immediate; D003827:Denture, Complete, Upper; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000502:physiology; D010512:Periodontal Index; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D013499:Surface Properties; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015921:Dental Implants