title: Implant stability measurements of two immediate loading protocols for the edentulous mandible: rigid and semi-rigid splinting of the implants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Primary and secondary stabilities of immediately loaded mandibular implants restored with fixed prostheses (FP) using rigid or semi-rigid splinting systems were clinically and radiographically evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen edentulous patients were rehabilitated using hybrid FP; each had 5 implants placed between the mental foramens. Two groups were randomly divided: group 1-FP with the conventional rigid bar splinting the implants and group 2-semi-rigid cantilever extension system with titanium bars placed in the 2 distal abutment cylinders. Primary stability was evaluated using resonance frequency analysis after installation of the implant abutments. The measurements were made at 3 times: T0, at baseline; T1, 4 months after implant placement; and T2, 8 months after implant placement. Presence of mobility and inflammation in the implant surrounding regions were checked. Stability data were submitted to statistical analysis for comparison between groups (P < 0.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Implant survival rate for the implants was of 100% in both groups. No significant differences in the mean implant stability quotient values were found for both groups from baseline and after the 8-month follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The immediate loading of the implants was satisfactory, and both splinting conditions (rigid and semi-rigid) can be successfully used for the restoration of edentulous mandibles.
authors.affiliation: Latin American Institute of Dental Research and Education-ILAPEO, Curitiba, Brazil.
authors.forename: Hyung Joo
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Ivete
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Aparecida de Mattias Sartori
authors.forename: Paola Rebelatto
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Alcântara
authors.forename: Rogéria Acedo
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Vieira
authors.forename: Dalton
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: Flávia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gasparini Kiatake Fontão
authors.forename: Rodrigo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tiossi
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods; D015921:Dental Implants; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D017268:Dental Prosthesis Retention; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003819:Denture Bases; D003779:Denture Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D057893:Immediate Dental Implant Loading; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013165:Splints; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D015921:Dental Implants; D003764:Dental Materials; D014025:Titanium