Retrospective results of implants for partially edentulous posterior jaws according to time points of early loading.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the survival and success rates and marginal bone loss conditions of early loaded implants in the posterior maxilla and mandible of partially edentulous patients.


METHODS
Implants (n = 299) were placed in 105 patients at two research centers. Provisional fixed dental prostheses were provided to the patients between 1 week and 2 months after implant placement. The implants were classified into four groups according to the loading time (1 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 6, and 6 to 8 weeks). Periapical radiographs were taken via a parallel imaging technique, and the peri-implant marginal bone level was measured on the radiographic images.


RESULTS
Most implants were lost within 1 month, and one implant was removed at 36 days after loading. The cumulative survival rate of the implants was 97.0%. Implants loaded in the maxilla at 1 to 2 weeks after prosthesis insertion had significantly lower survival rates than any other group (P = .013). There were no significant differences in marginal bone levels among the implant groups classified according to loading time.


CONCLUSIONS
Early loading is a safe and predictable procedure for implant-supported restoration of posterior partial edentulism. However, care must be taken in early loading within 2 weeks after maxillary implant insertion.
Jong-Hwa
JH
Kim
Jin-Yong
JY
Yang
Young-Kyun
YK
Kim
Young-Ku
YK
Heo
In-Sung
IS
Yeo
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies