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Early loading of sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) implants: a prospective split-mouth comparative study
M Roccuzzo1, M Bunino, F Prioglio
1School of Dental Medicine, University of Torino, Corso Tassoni, 14, 10143 Torino, Italy. mroccuzzo@iol.it
Clinical Oral Implants Research
|December 12, 2001
Summary
Sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) implants are suitable for early loading at six weeks, showing comparable clinical outcomes to titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) implants. Minor implant spinning in some SLA cases did not negatively impact results.
Area of Science:
- Dental Implantology
- Biomaterials Science
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) implant surfaces were developed to potentially shorten healing times.
- Titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) implants serve as a conventional comparison in dental implant research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of SLA implants versus TPS implants under loaded conditions.
- To evaluate the efficacy of early (6-week) loading for SLA implants.
Main Methods:
- A split-mouth study design involving 68 SLA and 68 TPS implants in 32 patients.
- Abutment connection at 6 weeks for SLA (test) and 12 weeks for TPS (control) implants.
- Clinical and radiographic assessments performed one year post-surgery by a blinded operator.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in plaque presence, bleeding on probing, pocket depth, or marginal bone loss between SLA and TPS implants.
- Four SLA sites experienced minor implant spinning, which was managed without adverse clinical effects.
- No implant failures were reported in either group.
Conclusions:
- SLA implants demonstrate suitability for early loading at six weeks, achieving comparable results to TPS implants.
- The surface treatment of SLA implants does not negatively affect long-term clinical outcomes.
- Early loading protocols with SLA implants are clinically effective, even with occasional minor implant mobility.